The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) has arrested 16 suspects as it dismantled a network of organised counterfeit currency syndicates operating across the Greater Accra Region.

The operation disrupted four production hubs in a six-week intelligence-led operation.

The operation, which was conducted between June 12 and July 24, 2026, uncovered sophisticated printing and distribution networks allegedly producing and circulating large quantities of fake local and foreign currencies.

A statement issued by the secretariat said the security teams seized $543,000, GH¢196,600 and CFA60,000 in counterfeit notes ready for circulation, alongside counterfeit coupons valued at $5,293,500, GH¢19,553,700 and CFA623,550,000 that were yet to be processed and printed.

Four counterfeit currency printing machines, six vehicles and two motorcycles were also impounded during coordinated raids and interception operations carried out at six locations in Greater Accra and surrounding districts, the statement said.

It said the operations had disrupted a network involving technical printing operators, cross-border facilitators and couriers, with some suspects allegedly using religious facilities, residential properties and commercial premises as production and storage sites.

Six operations
The first operation at Amuzu, a suburb of Kasoa, on June 12 this year resulted in the arrest of one Nana Nyarko Derrick Dapaah.

A currency printing machine, fake gold bars, five mobile phones, counterfeit American dollars, Ghana cedis and CFA francs were recovered from a residential compound allegedly operating under the cover of a traditional spiritual centre.Ghana news platform

Seven suspects, comprising three Ghanaians and four foreign nationals, were arrested at Adjiringanor on June 19.

Three unregistered vehicles, namely a Honda CR-V, Toyota Highlander and Toyota Corolla, and $65,900 in counterfeit notes were seized.

At Lashibi and Klagon on June 29, five suspects were arrested following searches of an office and a religious facility.

A printing machine, two vehicles and millions of dollars, cedis and CFA francs in counterfeit coupons were also recovered.

Distribution network hit

An interception near the Lakeside Shell Filling Station on July 9 led to the arrest of one Issah Ibrahim, while a second suspect, Adamu Haruna, remains at large.

Five boxes containing counterfeit GH¢200 notes with an estimated face value of GH¢12.42 million, together with two registered motorcycles, were seized during that operation.

At Nii Boi Town on July 21, one Solomon Acheampong was arrested, while two alleged accomplices escaped.

A suspect, Amankwah Bismark, described by investigators as a key figure, remains at large.

The final operation at Achimota and Amasaman on July 24 led to the arrest of one Osman Iddrisu and the seizure of two 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.

The statement urged financial institutions, property owners and administrators of religious facilities to exercise vigilance and report suspicious high-volume printing activities or unusual foreign currency transactions to security agencies.

Source: Graphiconline