The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) has arrested 16 suspects following the dismantling of a network of organised counterfeit currency syndicates operating across the Greater Accra Region. The intelligence-led operation, conducted over six weeks from June 12 to July 24, 2026, disrupted four counterfeit currency production hubs and uncovered sophisticated networks allegedly involved in printing and distributing large quantities of fake local and foreign currencies.
According to a statement issued by the Secretariat, security operatives seized counterfeit notes valued at $543,000, GH¢196,600 and CFA60,000, which were ready for circulation. They also recovered counterfeit currency coupons valued at $5,293,500, GH¢19,553,700 and CFA623,550,000, which were yet to be processed and printed. The operation also resulted in the seizure of four counterfeit currency printing machines, six vehicles and two motorcycles.
The coordinated raids and interception operations were carried out at six locations across Greater Accra and adjoining districts. The NSCS said the operations had disrupted a wider network involving technical printing operators, cross-border facilitators and couriers. Some of the suspects allegedly used religious facilities, residential properties and commercial premises as sites for producing and storing the counterfeit currencies.
Six operations
The first raid, conducted at Amuzu, a suburb of Kasoa, on June 12, led to the arrest of Nana Nyarko Derrick Dapaah. Security personnel recovered a currency-printing machine, counterfeit gold bars, five mobile phones, and fake American dollars, Ghana cedis and CFA francs from a residential property allegedly disguised as a traditional spiritual centre.
In a separate operation at Adjiringanor on June 19, seven suspects, including three Ghanaians and four foreign nationals, were apprehended. Authorities seized $65,900 in counterfeit currency and impounded three unregistered vehicles: a Honda CR-V, a Toyota Highlander and a Toyota Corolla.
Another operation at Lashibi and Klagon on June 29 resulted in the arrest of five suspects following searches of an office and a religious facility. Investigators recovered a currency-printing machine, two vehicles, and large quantities of counterfeit dollars, cedis and CFA francs.
Distribution network hit
An interception near the Lakeside Shell Filling Station on July 9 resulted in the arrest of Issah Ibrahim, while a second suspect, Adamu Haruna, managed to escape and remains at large. During the operation, security personnel seized five boxes containing counterfeit GH¢200 notes with an estimated face value of GH¢12.42 million, as well as two registered motorcycles.
At Nii Boi Town on July 21, Solomon Acheampong was arrested, while two alleged accomplices fled the scene. Another suspect, Amankwah Bismark, whom investigators have identified as a key figure in the network, remains at large. The final operation, conducted at Achimota and Amasaman on July 24, led to the arrest of Osman Iddrisu and the seizure of two counterfeit currency printing machines.
Cases before court
The National Security Council Secretariat said all 16 arrested suspects had been remanded into state custody, with case dockets submitted to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice. Prosecution proceedings are ongoing at the Accra High Court, while intelligence teams continue efforts to locate suspects still at large.
