11 Arrested for Allegedly Using AI Deepfake Videos to Impersonate President Mahama
Suspects allegedly used AI-generated videos to impersonate President Mahama in online scams
- 11 arrested over AI deepfake impersonation of President Mahama
- Suspects allegedly used fake videos for online fraud and scams
- Police recover devices and continue investigations into wider network
The Ghana Police Service has arrested 11 suspects for allegedly using artificial intelligence-generated deepfake videos to impersonate President John Dramani Mahama in a coordinated online fraud operation.
The arrests were made by the Police Cyber Vetting Enforcement Team during intelligence-led operations carried out across parts of the Volta Region. Authorities say some of the suspects are believed to be Nigerian nationals.
The suspects include Anipah Jonathan (23), Dzamesi Bright Kofi (35), Thomas Ayoyo (17), Louis Segbawu (18), Raphael Ablordeppey (32), Bishop Esiri (46), Wisdom James (25), Ali Lucky (23), Edwin Edos (22), John Kofi Darlington (20), and Danu Peter (19).
Police retrieved several items during the operation, including laptops, mobile phones, internet routers, 120 pre-registered SIM cards, and a Nigerian-registered Mercedes Benz ML 350 with registration number LSR 138HR from Lagos.
According to a police situational report, the Cyber Vetting Enforcement Team conducted coordinated raids between May 1 and May 3, 2026, in Sogakope, Dabala, Tongu, Akatsi, and Aflao after intelligence linked the group to the creation and circulation of fake AI-generated videos impersonating the President.
Further cyber tracking operations on May 4 led to the arrest of five additional suspects in Aflao, comprising four Nigerians and one Ghanaian.
Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects used the manipulated videos to fraudulently solicit money and sensitive personal information from unsuspecting victims online.
Police further stated that the group forms part of a wider network engaged in producing and distributing fraudulent digital content targeting high-profile individuals for financial gain.
Nine of the suspects have been remanded into police custody and are expected to reappear in court on May 25, 2026, while two others were granted bail with justified sureties.
