The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) has identified Ghanaian pastor Rev. Emmanuel Boakye-Danquah as one of several suspects wanted in connection with a major crackdown on networks allegedly involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit currencies across the country.
Rev. Boakye-Danquah remains at large following six coordinated intelligence-led operations conducted between June 12 and July 24, 2026, which resulted in the dismantling of four suspected counterfeit currency printing centres and the arrest of 16 people.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 22, the NSCS said the operations followed months of covert surveillance targeting suspected criminal networks operating mainly in the Greater Accra Region and surrounding areas.
Security operatives seized four counterfeit currency printing machines, six vehicles, two motorcycles, large quantities of finished counterfeit notes and currency coupons allegedly intended for further printing.
A key operation on June 29 at Lashibi and Klagon uncovered a suspected counterfeit currency production site at a religious facility. According to the NSCS, the facility’s administrative offices and residential quarters were allegedly being used to print and store fake currency.
Five suspects were arrested in that operation, while security personnel seized a printing machine and two vehicles. Investigators also recovered counterfeit currency coupons with reported values of US$5,287,900, CFA623,530,000 and GH¢7,129,000.
The NSCS subsequently identified Rev. Boakye-Danquah as a suspect in the case and said he remains wanted.
The Secretariat said intelligence gathered during the investigations suggested that some of the criminal networks allegedly exploited churches and other religious administrative premises because such locations could attract less suspicion while providing space to conceal printing equipment and counterfeit currency.
Across the six operations, security agencies reportedly seized finished counterfeit notes amounting to US$543,000, GH¢196,600 and CFA60,000. They also recovered unprocessed currency coupons allegedly intended for further production, valued at US$5,293,500, GH¢19,553,700 and CFA623,550,000.
The 16 arrested suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) for forensic examination and further legal action. The NSCS said case dockets had been completed and forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, while prosecution is ongoing at the Accra High Court, General Jurisdiction.
The Secretariat said all 16 suspects arrested had been formally remanded into state custody.
The first operation, conducted on June 12 at Amuzu near Kasoa, targeted a residential compound allegedly operating under the cover of a traditional spiritual centre. Nana Nyarko Derrick Dapaah was arrested, while security personnel seized a printing machine, suspected fake gold bars, five mobile phones and assorted counterfeit notes and coupons.
Another operation targeted a suspected transnational network allegedly involved in transporting high-grade foreign counterfeit currency between commercial centres using unregistered vehicles. Seven suspects, comprising three Ghanaians and four foreign nationals, were arrested, while three vehicles and US$65,900 in counterfeit notes were seized.
On July 9, security personnel intercepted a commercial dispatch rider near the Lakeside Shell Filling Station who was allegedly transporting counterfeit currency to prospective buyers. Issah Ibrahim was arrested, while Adamu Haruna was identified as a suspect who remains at large.
Five boxes containing counterfeit GH¢200 notes with an estimated face value of GH¢12,421,600 were seized, together with two registered motorcycles.
In another operation, 54-year-old Solomon Acheampong was arrested at what the NSCS described as a regional distribution point. Amankwah Bismark was identified as a suspected kingpin who remains at large. A white Toyota Corolla, three mobile phones, GH¢500 in genuine currency and assorted counterfeit coupons were also seized.
The final operation on July 24 targeted a hotel at Achimota Mile 7, where 50-year-old Osman Iddrisu, described by the NSCS as a key technical operator, was arrested with mobile printing equipment.
A subsequent search of his residence at Amasaman allegedly uncovered a fully equipped secondary printing facility. Two printing machines, counterfeit notes and additional currency coupons were seized.
According to the NSCS, the investigations point to structured networks allegedly involving transnational facilitators, technical operators and couriers who used motorcycles to transport counterfeit currency.
The Secretariat warned that the circulation of large volumes of counterfeit money could pose risks to monetary stability by contributing to artificial inflation, exchange-rate distortions and disruptions within the financial sector.
Special intelligence teams have since been deployed to locate other suspects identified during the investigations, while legal proceedings have commenced to seek the forfeiture of vehicles, printing equipment and mobile devices allegedly linked to the operations.
The NSCS has also urged financial institutions, property owners and managers of religious facilities to strengthen due diligence over activities conducted on their premises. The public has been encouraged to report suspicious large-scale printing activities, particularly those taking place at unusual hours, as well as unusual foreign currency transactions, to the nearest security agency.
