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Sixteen people, including Ghanaian and foreign nationals, have been arrested following a series of intelligence-led operations targeting organised counterfeit-currency syndicates in the Greater Accra Region and surrounding areas.
The arrests were made during six operations conducted between June 12 and July 24, 2026, as security agencies investigated networks allegedly involved in the production, possession and distribution of counterfeit local and foreign currencies.
According to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), the operations resulted in the seizure of four counterfeit-currency printing machines, six vehicles and two motorcycles allegedly linked to the activities.
Security operatives also recovered counterfeit notes amounting to US$543,000, GH¢196,600 and CFA60,000, which were reportedly ready for circulation.
Additional counterfeit currency materials allegedly awaiting processing and printing were also seized. These included US$5.29 million, GH¢19.55 million and CFA623.55 million in counterfeit coupons.
The NSCS said the operations followed months of covert intelligence gathering into reports that counterfeit currency was being introduced into commercial centres, foreign exchange markets and financial networks.
According to the agency, the syndicates operated through organised networks involving technical printing operators, cross-border facilitators and commercial dispatch riders who allegedly transported counterfeit currency to buyers.
In one operation targeting a transnational criminal network, seven suspects—three Ghanaians and four foreign nationals—were arrested. Three vehicles and US$65,900 in counterfeit notes were also seized.
At Amuzu, near Kasoa, security operatives arrested another suspect and recovered a currency-printing machine, suspected fake gold bars, mobile phones and quantities of counterfeit currency.
Five other suspects were arrested during an operation in Lashibi and Klagon, where investigators reportedly discovered printing equipment and a storage facility containing large quantities of counterfeit-currency materials.
An operation at Lakeside Estate also led to the arrest of a suspected distributor. Security personnel seized five boxes containing counterfeit GH¢200 notes, with an estimated face value of GH¢12.42 million, as well as two motorcycles.
The NSCS further alleged that some of the syndicates used religious and administrative premises as cover for printing and storing counterfeit currency.
The agency said all 16 suspects have been remanded into state custody, while case dockets have been submitted to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice.
Prosecution proceedings are ongoing at the Accra High Court, while security agencies continue efforts to locate other suspects identified during the investigations.
The NSCS also said prosecutors have begun processes to seek the forfeiture of vehicles, printing equipment and mobile devices allegedly used in the operations.
The agency has urged financial institutions, property owners and administrators of religious facilities to remain vigilant and report suspicious high-volume printing activities and unusual foreign-currency transactions to the appropriate security authorities.