In a significant stride towards safeguarding the financial integrity of the nation, the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) has successfully dismantled a sophisticated network of counterfeit currency syndicates operating within the Greater Accra Region. This operation, which spanned six weeks, has resulted in the arrest of 16 suspects and has disrupted four major production hubs.
Operation Overview
The intelligence-driven operation was conducted between June 12 and July 24, 2026. It uncovered a complex network involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit local and foreign currencies. The security teams seized counterfeit notes amounting to $543,000, GH¢196,600, and CFA60,000. Additionally, counterfeit coupons valued at $5,293,500, GH¢19,553,700, and CFA623,550,000 were intercepted before they could be processed and circulated.
During the coordinated raids across six locations in Greater Accra and its surrounding districts, four counterfeit currency printing machines, six vehicles, and two motorcycles were impounded. These operations have significantly disrupted a network that involved technical printing operators, cross-border facilitators, and couriers. Alarmingly, some suspects allegedly utilized religious facilities, residential properties, and commercial premises as sites for production and storage.
Details of the Operations
The first breakthrough came on June 12 at Amuzu, a suburb of Kasoa. The operation led to the arrest of one Nana Nyarko Derrick Dapaah. A currency printing machine, fake gold bars, mobile phones, and counterfeit currencies were recovered from a residential compound masquerading as a traditional spiritual center.
On June 19, seven suspects comprising three Ghanaians and four foreign nationals were apprehended at Adjiringanor. The security teams seized three unregistered vehicles and $65,900 in counterfeit notes.
Subsequent operations on June 29 at Lashibi and Klagon resulted in the arrest of five suspects. A printing machine, two vehicles, and millions in counterfeit coupons were retrieved from an office and a religious facility.
A significant interception near the Lakeside Shell Filling Station on July 9 led to the arrest of Issah Ibrahim. However, a second suspect, Adamu Haruna, remains at large. This operation saw the seizure of five boxes containing counterfeit GH¢200 notes worth an estimated GH¢12.42 million.
On July 21 at Nii Boi Town, Solomon Acheampong was arrested while two accomplices managed to escape. Another suspect, Amankwah Bismark, identified as a key figure in the syndicate, remains at large.
The final operation on July 24 at Achimota and Amasaman concluded with the arrest of Osman Iddrisu and the seizure of two additional printing machines.
Legal Proceedings and Recommendations
All 16 arrested suspects are currently remanded into state custody. Their case dockets have been submitted to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice. Prosecution proceedings are underway at the Accra High Court as intelligence teams continue their efforts to locate suspects still at large.
The NSCS has issued a call to action for financial institutions, property owners, and administrators of religious facilities to remain vigilant. They are urged to report any suspicious high-volume printing activities or unusual foreign currency transactions to security agencies promptly.
This operation marks a crucial step in combating financial fraud and ensuring the stability of the national economy. The National Security Council Secretariat remains committed to dismantling such illicit networks and protecting the financial interests of all citizens.
