The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), in collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, has arrested 16 suspects in a major crackdown on organised counterfeit currency operations in the Greater Accra Region and surrounding areas.
The intelligence-led operations, conducted between June 12 and July 24, 2026, targeted syndicates allegedly involved in the large-scale production, possession and distribution of counterfeit Ghanaian and foreign currencies.
According to the NSCS, six coordinated raids were carried out following months of intelligence gathering on the infiltration of counterfeit notes into commercial centres, foreign exchange markets and financial networks.
The operations resulted in the dismantling of four counterfeit currency printing hubs and the seizure of four printing machines, six vehicles and two motorcycles allegedly used in the transportation and distribution of the counterfeit currencies.
The security agencies also recovered US$543,000, GH¢196,600 and CFA60,000 in counterfeit notes ready for circulation.
Additionally, they seized counterfeit coupons reportedly valued at US$5,293,500, GH¢19,553,700 and CFA623,550,000, which were yet to be processed and printed.
Operations
The first operation took place at Amuzu, a suburb of Kasoa, on June 12, where security operatives raided a residential compound allegedly operating under the guise of a traditional spiritual centre.
One suspect, Nana Nyarko Derrick Dapaah, was arrested, while a currency printing machine, fake gold bars and five mobile phones were seized.
The operation also led to the recovery of US$477,500, GH¢195,990 and CFA60,000 in counterfeit notes, as well as additional counterfeit coupons.
On June 19, an operation at Adjiringanor targeted a suspected transnational criminal network involved in moving foreign counterfeit currencies between commercial centres.
Seven suspects, comprising three Ghanaians and four foreign nationals, were arrested.
Three unregistered vehicles—a Honda CR-V, Toyota Highlander and Toyota Corolla—were also seized, alongside US$65,900 in counterfeit notes.
At Lashibi and Klagon on June 29, five suspects were arrested following a raid on an office premises and a subsequent search of a religious facility.
The NSCS said the searches uncovered a currency printing machine and two vehicles, as well as counterfeit coupons valued at US$5,287,900, GH¢7,129,000 and CFA623,530,000.
A suspect identified as Rev. Emmanuel Boakye-Danquah was listed as being at large.
Further arrests
An interception at Lakeside Estate on July 9 led to the arrest of Issah Ibrahim, who the NSCS said was allegedly involved in transporting pre-packaged counterfeit currency to buyers.
Five boxes containing counterfeit GH¢200 notes with an estimated face value of GH¢12,421,600 were seized, together with two registered motorcycles.
At Nii Boi Town on July 21, security operatives arrested 54-year-old Solomon Acheampong during an operation targeting a suspected distribution network.
Two alleged accomplices escaped on foot during the operation, while a Toyota Corolla and mobile communication devices were seized.
Another suspect, identified as Amankwah Bismark, described by the NSCS as a kingpin, was listed as being at large.
The final operation, conducted at Achimota and Amasaman on July 24, resulted in the arrest of 50-year-old Osman Iddrisu.
Two currency printing machines were seized, along with GH¢620 in counterfeit notes and GH¢200 in counterfeit coupons.
Security concerns
The NSCS said its analysis of the operations had revealed that some of the syndicates allegedly exploited churches and administrative facilities of religious organisations to conceal printing activities and store counterfeit currency.
It also identified a structured network involving alleged transnational facilitators, technical printing operators and commercial courier or dispatch riders.
According to the Secretariat, the seizure of large quantities of counterfeit notes and unprocessed coupons, together with printing equipment capable of producing large volumes of currency, prevented what it described as potential disruption to the economy, including artificial inflation and exchange-rate distortions.
The NSCS said all 16 arrested suspects had been remanded into state custody, while case dockets had been completed and submitted to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice.
It said formal prosecution proceedings were ongoing at the Accra High Court (General Jurisdiction).
The Secretariat added that intelligence teams remained deployed to locate and arrest suspects who were still at large.
It further said legal processes had been initiated for the forfeiture of vehicles, printing equipment and mobile devices allegedly used in the operations.
The NSCS has urged financial institutions, property owners, administrators of religious facilities and members of the public to exercise caution and report suspicious high-volume printing activities, particularly at night, as well as unusual foreign currency transactions, to the nearest security agency.
