The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in Ghana, in collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, has successfully busted organised criminal syndicates involved in large-scale production and distribution of counterfeit Ghanaian and foreign currencies. This operation was the result of months of covert intelligence gathering and mapping of suspected counterfeit currency networks. The NSCS stated that reports of fake notes infiltrating commercial centres, foreign exchange markets, and financial networks prompted the operations.
Six coordinated intelligence-led operations were conducted between June 12 and July 24, 2026, resulting in the arrest of 16 principal suspects, including Ghanaian and foreign nationals. The operations also led to the dismantling of four counterfeit currency printing hubs in the Greater Accra Region and surrounding districts. The suspects, together with the seized physical and digital exhibits, have been transferred to the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) for forensic examination and further investigations.
The operations yielded significant seizures, including counterfeit currencies amounting to US$543,000, GH¢196,600, and CFA60,000 in ready-to-spend notes. Additionally, the agencies recovered coupons yet to be processed and printed, comprising US$5.293 million, GH¢19.553 million, and CFA623.55 million. The NSCS described these as high-level organised transnational and domestic criminal syndicates operating across the Greater Accra Region and adjoining areas.
The NSCS stated that tactical units carried out six coordinated raids on the syndicates' primary operational hubs. The seized exhibits included four currency printing machines, six vehicles, and two motorcycles allegedly used by the syndicates to transport and distribute the counterfeit notes. The security agencies have completed and submitted case dockets to the Office of the Attorney-General for consideration of prosecution.
The NSCS emphasized that the operations formed part of efforts to disrupt organised criminal networks involved in currency counterfeiting and protect the integrity of Ghana's financial system. The statement did not disclose the identities of the suspects or provide details of the specific locations of the printing hubs. It also did not indicate whether any of the counterfeit currency had successfully entered circulation.
The NSCS did not identify financial institutions or businesses that may have been affected by the counterfeit currency. Further details are expected to emerge as forensic examination of the seized exhibits and investigations into the suspects continue. The 16 suspects are currently in custody, and their prosecution is being considered.
The successful operation demonstrates Ghana's commitment to combating financial crimes and protecting its economy. The NSCS, in collaboration with other security agencies, will continue to work to disrupt and dismantle organised criminal networks involved in currency counterfeiting and other financial crimes.
Key points
- 16 suspects arrested and four printing hubs dismantled in a major counterfeit currency operation.
- US$543,000, GH¢196,600, and CFA60,000 in counterfeit currencies seized in ready-to-spend notes.
- Coupons worth US$5.293 million, GH¢19.553 million, and CFA623.55 million yet to be processed and printed were also recovered.
