The National Security has dismantled several alleged counterfeit currency operations in Accra, resulting in the arrest of 16 suspects and the seizure of four printing machines believed to have been used in the production of fake Ghana cedi notes.
According to the National Security and Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, investigations into the alleged operations uncovered syndicates operating from different locations in Accra. Some of the groups allegedly used church premises at Lashibi and Klagon as locations to conceal their activities and carry out operations linked to the production of counterfeit currency.
National Security has named Rev. Emmanuel Boakye-Danquah as a suspect allegedly linked to one of the operations and said he is currently at large. The security agency has also identified Adamu Haruna and Amankwah Bismark, with the latter described by the agency as a suspected kingpin, in connection with the alleged counterfeit currency activities.
The arrests and seizure of the printing equipment form part of efforts by the security authorities to disrupt networks allegedly involved in the production and circulation of counterfeit Ghana cedi notes. Counterfeit currency can undermine confidence in the financial system and expose individuals and businesses to financial losses, particularly when fake notes enter circulation undetected.
Following the arrests, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and take steps to authenticate cedi notes before accepting them during transactions.
The central bank has advised the public to use the security features incorporated into Ghanaian banknotes when checking their authenticity. Members of the public are encouraged to feel the texture of the note, hold it up to light to examine the watermark and security thread, and tilt the note to observe its colour-changing feature.
These checks, according to the Bank of Ghana’s guidance, can help members of the public identify suspicious notes before accepting them in exchange for goods, services or other transactions.
The central bank has further cautioned that anyone who suspects a note is counterfeit should not attempt to spend or pass it on to another person. Instead, the suspected counterfeit note should be reported to the nearest police station for the appropriate action.
The latest security operation highlights the need for continued vigilance among the public, particularly as authorities work to identify and disrupt individuals and networks allegedly involved in the production and circulation of counterfeit currency.
The Bank of Ghana has therefore encouraged the public to remain alert when handling cash and to make use of the security features on the cedi notes. Reporting suspected counterfeit notes to the appropriate authorities, rather than putting them back into circulation, is also essential to supporting efforts to protect the integrity of Ghana’s currency.
Story by Ama Frimpomaa
