The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in Ghana has successfully dismantled four major counterfeit currency production centres and arrested 16 suspects in a nationwide operation targeting organised criminal networks. The operation, conducted between June 12 and July 24, 2026, focused on groups allegedly engaged in the large-scale manufacture, possession, and distribution of counterfeit Ghanaian and foreign currencies.
According to the NSCS, six intelligence-led operations were carried out across the Greater Accra Region and adjoining districts following months of discreet surveillance and intelligence gathering. The operations resulted in the recovery of counterfeit currency printing equipment, vehicles, motorcycles, completed fake banknotes, and substantial quantities of unprocessed currency coupons allegedly prepared for further production.
The security agencies recovered US$543,000, GH¢196,600, and CFA 60,000 in finished counterfeit notes. In addition, they seized unprocessed coupons with an alleged face value of US$5,293,500, GH¢19,553,700, and CFA 623,550,000, which the NSCS said were intended for subsequent printing. The 16 suspects arrested during the operations, together with physical exhibits and digital evidence, have been transferred to the Bureau of National Intelligence for forensic examination and further legal procedures.
The first operation took place on June 12 at Amuzu, a community in the Kasoa area, where security operatives targeted a residential compound that the NSCS said was allegedly being operated under the appearance of a traditional spiritual centre. One suspect, Nana Nyarko Derrick Dapaah, was arrested during the operation. Investigators also recovered a printing machine, suspected counterfeit gold bars, five mobile phones, and assorted counterfeit currency notes and coupons.
A second operation focused on what the NSCS described as a transnational criminal network allegedly involved in transporting high-quality counterfeit foreign currency between commercial centres using unregistered vehicles. Seven suspects were arrested during that operation, comprising three Ghanaians and four foreign nationals. Security personnel also impounded three unregistered vehicles and recovered US$65,900 in counterfeit notes.
The NSCS identified Reverend Emmanuel Boakye Danquah as a suspect who remains at large in connection with one of the operations. The security agencies continued their investigations into the networks, leading to another interception on July 9 near the Lakeside Shell Filling Station. According to the NSCS, a commercial dispatch rider was intercepted while allegedly transporting pre-packaged counterfeit currency to prospective buyers.
The NSCS warned that the widespread circulation of counterfeit currency could undermine confidence in the monetary system and potentially contribute to distortions in prices, foreign exchange, and the overall economy. The recovery of large quantities of finished counterfeit notes and unprocessed coupons, together with four printing machines capable of producing substantial volumes of currency, was described by the NSCS as a significant disruption to the alleged criminal operations.
Key points
- Four major counterfeit currency production centres were dismantled.
- 16 suspects were arrested during the nationwide operation.
- Large quantities of counterfeit currency and printing equipment were recovered.
