16 Arrested, Over $5.8m In Counterfeit Currency Seized In NSCS Crackdown
The intelligence-led operations targeted suspected networks involved in the production, possession and distribution of counterfeit Ghanaian and foreign currencies.
- 16 suspects arrested
- Counterfeit currency seized
- Six vehicles and machines recovered
Sixteen Ghanaians and foreign nationals have been arrested in a major crackdown by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) on suspected counterfeit currency syndicates operating in parts of the Greater Accra Region.
The arrests followed six intelligence-led operations conducted between June 12 and July 24, 2026, targeting groups allegedly involved in the production, possession and distribution of counterfeit Ghanaian and foreign currencies.
The NSCS, in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 22, said security operatives seized four currency-printing machines, six vehicles and two motorcycles allegedly linked to the suspected activities.
Counterfeit currencies recovered during the operations included US$543,000, GH¢196,600 and CFA60,000, which the NSCS said were allegedly ready for circulation.
Security operatives also seized counterfeit currency coupons awaiting processing and printing, including US$5.29 million, GH¢19.55 million and CFA623.55 million.
The NSCS said the operations followed months of covert intelligence gathering into reports of counterfeit currency being introduced into commercial centres, foreign exchange markets and financial networks.
According to the Secretariat, the suspected syndicates operated through organised networks involving technical printing specialists, cross-border facilitators and commercial dispatch riders allegedly responsible for transporting counterfeit currencies to buyers.
In one operation targeting a suspected transnational network, seven people—three Ghanaians and four foreign nationals—were arrested. Three vehicles and counterfeit notes worth US$65,900 were also recovered.
At Amuzu, near Kasoa, another suspect was arrested, while operatives seized a currency-printing machine, counterfeit gold bars, mobile phones and quantities of suspected fake currency.
Five suspects were also arrested during an operation at Lashibi and Klagon, where investigators uncovered printing equipment and a storage facility containing large quantities of counterfeit currency materials.
At Lakeside Estate, a suspected distributor was arrested and five boxes containing counterfeit GH¢200 notes with an estimated face value of GH¢12.42 million were seized. Two motorcycles were also confiscated.
The NSCS further disclosed that some of the suspected syndicates allegedly used religious and administrative premises as fronts for printing and storing counterfeit currency.
It said all 16 suspects had been remanded into state custody, while case dockets had been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice.
Prosecution proceedings are currently before the Accra High Court, with security agencies continuing efforts to apprehend other suspects identified during the investigations.
The NSCS added that steps had been initiated to seek the forfeiture of vehicles, printing equipment and mobile devices allegedly used in the operations.
The Secretariat has urged financial institutions, property owners and administrators of religious facilities to remain vigilant and report suspicious large-scale printing activities and unusual foreign-currency transactions to the appropriate security authorities.
