National Security arrests 16 and seizes millions in counterfeit currency and printing equipment

In mid-June to late July 2026, the National Security Council Secretariat, collaborating with security and intelligence agencies, dismantled four major counterfeit currency printing operations and apprehended 16 suspects across Ghana. The joint efforts, spanning from June 12 to July 24, 2026, targeted networks involved in producing, possessing, and distributing counterfeit Ghanaian and foreign currencies.

On September 22, the National Security Council Secretariat issued a statement detailing the operations that yielded valuable equipment and substantial amounts of counterfeit currency.

From June 12 to July 24, the National Security Council Secretariat conducted six coordinated raids across the Greater Accra Region and neighboring districts. The operations led to the seizure of counterfeit currency printing equipment, vehicles, motorcycles, and large quantities of counterfeit notes and currency coupons. The secretariat seized four printing machines, six vehicles, and two motorcycles allegedly used for transporting and distributing counterfeit currency.

The agents also seized over $543,000, GH¢196,600, and CFA 60,000 in finished counterfeit notes, as well as over $5,293,500, GH¢19,553,700, and CFA 623,550,000 in unprocessed currency coupons.

The 16 arrested suspects, along with physical and digital evidence, were transferred to the Bureau of National Intelligence for forensic examination and further legal proceedings. Case documents have been submitted to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, with ongoing prosecution at the Accra High Court, General Jurisdiction.

The first operation took place on June 12 in Amuzu, a suburb of Kasoa, targeting a residential compound seemingly operating under the guise of a spiritual center. One suspect, Nana Nyarko Derrick Dapaah, was apprehended, and a printing machine, counterfeit gold bars, mobile phones, and counterfeit currency were seized.

On June 29, operatives raided a facility at Lashibi and Klagon, arresting five individuals and recovering printing equipment. Follow-up intelligence led to the headquarters of a religious facility in Klagon, where printing machines and operational vehicles were seized. Additionally, on July 9, security operatives intercepted a commercial dispatch rider allegedly transporting pre-packaged counterfeit currency near the Lakeside Shell Filling Station.

Issah Ibrahim was arrested, while Adamu Haruna remained at large. Five boxes containing counterfeit GH¢200 notes, valued at approximately GH¢12,421,600, were seized along with two registered motorcycles.

Solomon Acheampong, 54, was arrested on July 9 at what the secretariat described as a regional distribution point. Amankwah Bismark, identified as a suspected kingpin, remains at large. On July 24, operatives raided a hotel facility at Achimota Mile 7, arresting Osman Iddrisu, 50, who was found with mobile printing equipment. A subsequent search of his residence at Amasaman uncovered a secondary printing facility. Two printing machines and quantities of counterfeit notes and coupons were seized.

Intelligence analysis revealed that some syndicates exploited churches and religious organization premises to cover their activities, reducing suspicion and facilitating material storage. The syndicates operated through structured networks involving transnational facilitators, technical printing operators, and couriers using motorcycles for distribution.

The seizure of millions of counterfeit notes and unprocessed coupons, combined with four printing machines, is said to have prevented potential threats to monetary stability. The National Security Council Secretariat noted that widespread circulation of counterfeit currency could lead to artificial inflation, exchange-rate distortions, and disruptions to the financial sector.

All 16 arrested suspects have been formally remanded into state custody, and special intelligence teams are deployed to locate and apprehend other suspects identified during the investigations. State prosecutors have initiated legal processes seeking the forfeiture of seized vehicles, printing equipment, and mobile devices. The National Security Council Secretariat urged financial institutions, property owners, and administrators of religious facilities to enhance due diligence over activities on their premises.

The public was also called upon to report suspicious high-volume printing activities and unusual foreign currency transactions to the nearest security agency.