The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) says it has dismantled four counterfeit currency printing hubs and arrested 16 suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations targeting organised criminal networks across the Greater Accra Region and surrounding districts.
The operations, conducted between June 12 and July 24, 2026, involved six coordinated raids aimed at disrupting the printing, possession and distribution of counterfeit local and foreign currencies, according to a press release issued on Sept. 22.
The NSCS said the operations led to the seizure of four counterfeit currency printing machines, six vehicles and two motorcycles. All 16 suspects, comprising Ghanaian and foreign nationals, have been transferred to the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) for forensic examination and prosecution.
The recovered counterfeit currency included $543,000, GH¢196,600 and CFA60,000 in ready-to-spend notes. Authorities also seized unprocessed counterfeit coupons valued at $5,293,500, GH¢19,553,700 and CFA623,550,000.
Formal prosecution proceedings are ongoing at the Accra High Court, while case dockets have been submitted to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice.
Operations Target Printing and Distribution Networks
The first operation took place on June 12 at Amuzu in the Kasoa Suburb, where security personnel raided a residential compound reportedly operating under the guise of a traditional spiritual centre. One suspect was arrested, while a currency printing machine, fake gold bars, five mobile devices and counterfeit notes were seized.
The second operation, conducted on June 19 at Adjiringanor, targeted a transnational criminal cell allegedly involved in transporting high-grade foreign counterfeit currency between commercial centres. Seven suspects were arrested, and three unregistered vehicles and counterfeit US dollar notes were seized.
On June 29, a raid in Lashibi led to the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of printing equipment. Follow-up searches at a primary religious facility in Klagon reportedly uncovered administrative offices and residential quarters allegedly being used as a major production and storage site.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of a currency printing machine, two vehicles and counterfeit US dollars, CFA francs and Ghanaian cedi coupons yet to be processed and printed.
On July 9, security personnel intercepted a distribution conduit near the Lakeside Shell Filling Station. The target was reportedly a commercial dispatch rider transporting pre-packaged counterfeit currency to designated buyers. One suspect was arrested, while five boxes of counterfeit GH¢200 notes with an estimated face value of GH¢12,421,600 and two registered motorcycles were seized.
Further operations were conducted in Nii Boi Town on July 21 and Achimota and Amasaman on July 24.
At Nii Boi Town, security personnel arrested one suspect at an active regional distribution node. Authorities seized a white Toyota Corolla, three mobile communication devices, genuine Ghanaian currency, US dollars and CFA-denominated counterfeit coupons.
At Achimota, a raid at a hotel facility led to the arrest of a technical operator allegedly involved in mobile printing hardware. A subsequent search at his residential property in Amasaman reportedly uncovered a fully equipped secondary printing setup. Two currency printing machines and counterfeit Ghanaian cedi notes and coupons were seized.
Security Agencies Identify Organised Structure
The NSCS said its analysis of the dismantled networks revealed a structured operational model involving transnational facilitators, technical printing operators and commercial courier or dispatch riders.
According to the release, some of the criminal groups allegedly used churches and administrative facilities as cover for printing machinery, storing counterfeit currency and reducing suspicion within local communities.
The networks also reportedly relied on motorbikes for the rapid delivery of counterfeit notes and coupons.
The NSCS said the interception of finished counterfeit notes and unprocessed coupons, alongside four printing machines capable of producing large volumes, helped prevent potential risks to price stability, foreign exchange markets and the wider financial system.
The agency said special intelligence teams remain deployed to track and apprehend suspects who fled during the operations. State prosecutors have also initiated legal processes to permanently forfeit impounded vehicles, printing equipment and mobile devices allegedly used in the crimes.
The NSCS urged financial institutions, property owners and administrators of religious facilities to exercise due diligence over activities conducted on their premises. It also called on the public to report suspicious high-volume late-night printing activities and unusual foreign currency transactions to the nearest security agency.
