ACCRA, Ghana, 22nd September: The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), in collaboration with relevant security and intelligence agencies, has dismantled four counterfeit currency printing hubs and arrested 16 suspects in a major intelligence-led crackdown on organised currency counterfeiting in Ghana.
The operations, conducted between June 12 and July 24, 2026, targeted criminal syndicates allegedly involved in the large-scale printing, possession and distribution of counterfeit Ghanaian cedi and foreign currencies across the Greater Accra Region and surrounding districts.
According to the NSCS, six coordinated raids were carried out following months of covert intelligence gathering into reports of counterfeit currency infiltrating commercial centres, foreign exchange markets and financial networks.
The operations resulted in the seizure of four counterfeit currency printing machines, six vehicles and two motorcycles allegedly used in the transportation and distribution of the fake currencies.
Security operatives also recovered US$543,000, GH¢196,600 and CFA60,000 in counterfeit notes ready for circulation.
In addition, counterfeit currency coupons yet to be processed and printed amounting to US$5,293,500, GH¢19,553,700 and CFA623,550,000 were seized.
The NSCS said all 16 suspects, together with the physical and digital exhibits recovered during the operations, were transferred to the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) for forensic examination.
Case dockets have subsequently been completed and submitted to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, with prosecution proceedings currently ongoing at the Accra High Court (General Jurisdiction).
How the operations unfolded
The first operation took place on June 12 at Amuzu, a suburb of Kasoa, where security operatives raided a residential compound allegedly being operated under the cover of a traditional spiritual centre.
One suspect, Nana Nyarko Derrick Dapaah, was arrested.
A currency printing machine, fake gold bars, five mobile devices, counterfeit US dollars, Ghana cedis and CFA francs, as well as additional counterfeit currency coupons, were seized.
On June 19, an interception at Adjiringanor targeted a transnational criminal cell allegedly involved in transporting large quantities of foreign counterfeit currency between commercial centres.
Seven suspects, three Ghanaians and four foreign nationals were arrested, while three unregistered vehicles, including a Honda CR-V, Toyota Highlander and Toyota Corolla, were seized.
Another operation on June 29 at Lashibi and Klagon led to the arrest of five suspects.
According to the NSCS, a raid at an office in Lashibi was followed by intelligence-led searches at the headquarters of a religious organisation in Klagon, where administrative offices and residential quarters were allegedly being used for the production and storage of counterfeit currency.
One printing machine, two vehicles and millions of dollars, CFA francs and Ghana cedis in counterfeit coupons were recovered.
At Lakeside Estate on July 9, security operatives intercepted what the NSCS described as a major distribution conduit near the Lakeside Shell Filling Station.
One suspect was arrested, while five boxes containing counterfeit GH¢200 notes with an estimated face value of GH¢12,421,600 and two registered motorbikes were seized.
The July 21 operation at Nii Boi Town also resulted in one arrest. Two other alleged accomplices reportedly escaped on foot during the operation, abandoning their vehicle.
A final raid on July 24 at Achimota and Amasaman led to the arrest of a 50-year-old suspect identified as Osman Iddrisu.
Two currency printing machines, counterfeit Ghana cedi notes and additional counterfeit currency coupons were seized during the operation.
Religious facilities allegedly exploited
The NSCS said its analysis of the dismantled syndicates had revealed a pattern in which some criminals allegedly exploited churches and administrative offices of religious organisations to conceal their activities.
According to the security agency, the premises were used to reduce the noise and vibration generated by printing machines, provide storage facilities and minimise suspicion within surrounding communities.
The syndicates also allegedly operated through structured networks involving cross-border facilitators, technical printing operators and commercial courier or dispatch riders who relied largely on motorcycles to distribute counterfeit currency.
The NSCS said the interception of millions of finished counterfeit notes and unprocessed coupons, together with four printing machines reportedly capable of producing millions of notes daily, had helped avert potential threats to the country’s financial system.
Suspects remain in custody
The NSCS said all 16 arrested suspects had been formally remanded into state custody, while intelligence teams remain deployed to locate and apprehend other alleged accomplices who are still at large.
State prosecutors have also initiated legal processes seeking the permanent forfeiture of the impounded vehicles, printing equipment and mobile devices allegedly used in the commission of the offences.
The NSCS has meanwhile urged financial institutions, property owners, administrators of religious facilities and members of the public to exercise greater vigilance.
It is calling on the public to report suspicious high-volume late-night printing activities and unusual foreign currency transactions to the nearest security agency.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭