The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) of Ghana, in collaboration with relevant security and intelligence agencies, has successfully dismantled four counterfeit currency printing hubs and arrested 16 suspects. This major operation targeted organised currency counterfeiting syndicates in the Greater Accra Region and surrounding districts. The NSCS conducted six coordinated raids between June 12 and July 24, 2026, following months of intelligence gathering.
The operations resulted in significant seizures, including four counterfeit currency printing machines, six vehicles, and two motorcycles allegedly used for transporting and distributing fake currencies. Security operatives recovered US$543,000, GH¢196,600, and CFA60,000 in counterfeit notes ready for circulation. Additionally, they seized counterfeit currency coupons worth US$5,293,500, GH¢19,553,700, and CFA623,550,000.
The NSCS detailed how the operations unfolded, starting with a June 12 raid at Amuzu, a suburb of Kasoa. They raided a residential compound allegedly operating under the cover of a traditional spiritual centre, arresting one suspect, Nana Nyarko Derrick Dapaah, and seizing a currency printing machine, fake gold bars, and counterfeit currencies.
Further operations led to more arrests and seizures. On June 19, an interception at Adjiringanor targeted a transnational criminal cell, resulting in the arrest of seven suspects and the seizure of three unregistered vehicles. Another operation on June 29 at Lashibi and Klagon led to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of a printing machine and millions in counterfeit coupons.
The NSCS revealed that their analysis showed a pattern of criminals exploiting churches and administrative offices of religious organisations to conceal their activities. These premises were used to reduce noise and vibration from printing machines and minimise suspicion. The syndicates operated through structured networks involving cross-border facilitators, technical printing operators, and commercial courier riders.
The interception of millions of finished counterfeit notes and unprocessed coupons, along with four printing machines capable of producing millions of notes daily, helped avert potential threats to Ghana's financial system. All 16 suspects were transferred to the Bureau of National Intelligence for forensic examination, and case dockets were submitted to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice.
The NSCS urged financial institutions, property owners, and the public to exercise greater vigilance and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency. State prosecutors initiated legal processes seeking the permanent forfeiture of impounded vehicles, printing equipment, and mobile devices used in the offences. The suspects remain in custody, and intelligence teams continue to locate and apprehend other alleged accomplices.
Key points
- The NSCS operation resulted in the dismantling of four counterfeit currency printing hubs and the arrest of 16 suspects.
- The seizures included millions of dollars in counterfeit currencies and printing machines capable of producing large quantities of fake notes.
- The NSCS warned of potential threats to Ghana's financial system and urged the public to report suspicious activities.
