Ghana: 16 arrested as NSCS raids counterfeit currency network, seizes fake gold bars

The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) has arrested 16 suspects and dismantled four counterfeit currency printing hubs in a series of intelligence-led operations across the Greater Accra Region and surrounding districts.

The operations, conducted between June 12 and July 24, 2026, targeted organised transnational and domestic criminal syndicates allegedly involved in the large-scale printing, possession and distribution of counterfeit local and foreign currencies.

According to the NSCS, security and intelligence agencies carried out six coordinated raids following months of intelligence gathering into reports of counterfeit currency entering commercial hubs, foreign exchange markets and financial networks.

Four counterfeit currency printing machines, six vehicles and two motorcycles allegedly used for transit and dispatch were seized during the operations.

The security agencies also recovered US$543,000, GH¢196,600 and CFA60,000 in counterfeit notes described as ready-to-spend.

In addition, the operations uncovered US$5,293,500, GH¢19,553,700 and CFA623,550,000 in counterfeit coupons that were yet to be processed and printed.

The NSCS said the 16 suspects, comprising Ghanaian and foreign nationals, together with seized physical and digital exhibits, were transferred to the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) for forensic examination and formal state prosecution.

The Secretariat said case dockets had also been completed and submitted to the Office of the Attorney-General for further action.

The NSCS said the operations form part of efforts to disrupt organised counterfeit currency networks and protect the integrity of Ghana’s financial system.