The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) has arrested 16 suspects and dismantled a network of organised counterfeit currency syndicates operating in parts of the Greater Accra Region.
The intelligence-led security operation, conducted between June 12 and July 24, 2026, targeted suspected counterfeit money production and distribution networks.
According to the NSCS, the six-week operation resulted in the disruption of four major counterfeit currency production hubs and exposed networks allegedly involved in printing and circulating fake Ghana cedis and foreign currencies.
Millions in Counterfeit Currency Seized
Security personnel reportedly seized counterfeit currencies worth millions of dollars and Ghana cedis during coordinated raids and interception operations.
Items seized included US$543,000, GH¢196,600 and CFA60,000 in counterfeit notes that were allegedly ready for circulation.
Authorities also recovered counterfeit coupons valued at approximately US$5.29 million, GH¢19.55 million and CFA623.55 million, which had reportedly not yet been processed and printed.
Four counterfeit currency printing machines, six vehicles and two motorcycles were also impounded.
The operations were carried out across six locations in Greater Accra and surrounding districts, according to the National Security Council Secretariat.
Counterfeit Money Network Targeted
The NSCS said the operation disrupted a network involving technical printing operators, cross-border facilitators and couriers.
Investigators also found that some of the alleged criminal operations were being conducted from residential properties, commercial premises and religious facilities used as production or storage locations.
The crackdown began on June 12 at Amuzu, a suburb of Kasoa, where security personnel arrested Nana Nyarko Derrick Dapaah.
A counterfeit currency printing machine, fake gold bars and five mobile phones were among the items recovered.
Security officers also seized suspected counterfeit US dollars, Ghana cedis and CFA francs from a residential compound allegedly operating under the cover of a traditional spiritual centre.
Seven Arrested at Adjiringanor
On June 19, security personnel arrested seven suspects at Adjiringanor, comprising three Ghanaians and four foreign nationals.
Three unregistered vehicles — a Honda CR-V, Toyota Highlander and Toyota Corolla — were seized during the operation.
Authorities also recovered approximately US$65,900 in counterfeit notes.
Counterfeit Currency Machines Found at Lashibi and Klagon
A further operation conducted at Lashibi and Klagon on June 29 resulted in the arrest of five suspects.
The suspects were arrested following searches at an office and a religious facility.
Security officials recovered another counterfeit currency printing machine, two vehicles and large quantities of suspected counterfeit dollar, cedi and CFA currency coupons.
The seizure represented another major disruption to the alleged counterfeit money production network in the Greater Accra Region.
GH¢12.42 Million in Fake GH¢200 Notes Seized
On July 9, security officials intercepted a suspected counterfeit currency operation near the Lakeside Shell Filling Station.
One suspect, identified as Issah Ibrahim, was arrested, while another suspect, Adamu Haruna, remains at large.
Authorities seized five boxes containing counterfeit GH¢200 notes with an estimated face value of GH¢12.42 million.
Two registered motorcycles were also impounded during the operation.
Suspect Arrested at Nii Boi Town
On July 21, security personnel carried out another operation at Nii Boi Town, leading to the arrest of Solomon Acheampong.
Two alleged accomplices reportedly escaped during the operation.
Investigators have identified Amankwah Bismark as a person of interest described as a key figure in the alleged network. He remains at large as security agencies continue efforts to locate him.
Two Printing Machines Seized at Achimota and Amasaman
The final operation in the six-week crackdown took place on July 24 at Achimota and Amasaman.
Security personnel arrested Osman Iddrisu and seized two additional counterfeit currency printing machines.
The latest arrests brought the total number of suspects detained during the intelligence-led operation to 16.
Counterfeit Currency Suspects Face Prosecution
The National Security Council Secretariat said all 16 arrested suspects have been remanded into state custody.
Case dockets have been submitted to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, while prosecution proceedings are ongoing at the Accra High Court.
Meanwhile, intelligence and security teams are continuing investigations to locate suspects who remain at large.
The authorities’ latest crackdown highlights ongoing efforts to combat counterfeit currency, financial crime and organised criminal networks in Ghana.
Security Agencies Urge Public Vigilance
The NSCS has urged banks, financial institutions, property owners and administrators of religious facilities to remain vigilant.
The secretariat encouraged members of the public to report suspicious high-volume printing activities and unusual foreign currency transactions to the appropriate security agencies.
The operation forms part of broader efforts by Ghana’s security agencies to protect the country’s financial system and prevent the circulation of counterfeit Ghana cedis and foreign currencies.
Source: newsthemegh.com