The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) says Ghanaian pastor Rev. Emmanuel Boakye-Danquah is at large following a nationwide crackdown on criminal syndicates allegedly involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit Ghanaian and foreign currencies.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 22, the NSCS said six coordinated operations conducted between June 12 and July 24, 2026, dismantled four major counterfeit currency printing hubs across the Greater Accra Region and surrounding districts.
The operations, carried out with security and intelligence agencies following months of surveillance, resulted in the arrest of 16 suspects and the seizure of four printing machines, six vehicles, two motorcycles, counterfeit notes and large quantities of unprocessed currency coupons.
Pastor linked to religious facility
The NSCS said a June 29 operation at Lashibi and Klagon led investigators to a religious facility in Klagon, where administrative offices and residential quarters were allegedly being used to print and store counterfeit currency.
One printing machine and two vehicles were seized. The Secretariat said the operation also uncovered counterfeit coupons valued at US$5.29 million, CFA623.53 million and GH¢7.13 million.
Rev. Boakye-Danquah was named as a suspect in connection with the operation and remains at large.
The NSCS said intelligence indicated that some of the criminal networks allegedly used churches and other religious premises to conceal their activities and avoid suspicion.
Millions in counterfeit currency seized
Across the six operations, security agencies recovered finished counterfeit notes valued at approximately US$543,000, GH¢196,600 and CFA60,000.
They also seized unprocessed coupons reportedly valued at US$5.29 million, GH¢19.55 million and CFA623.55 million, which investigators believe were intended for further printing.
Other operations targeted alleged criminal networks in Kasoa, Lakeside, Achimota and Amasaman. Several suspects were arrested, while others, including alleged ringleaders and couriers, remain at large.
The NSCS said all 16 arrested suspects and the exhibits have been transferred to the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) for forensic examination. Case dockets have also been submitted to the Office of the Attorney-General, with prosecution proceedings ongoing at the Accra High Court.
Security agencies pursue other suspects
According to the NSCS, the syndicates allegedly operated through organised networks involving foreign facilitators, technical printing specialists and motorcycle couriers.
The Secretariat said the seizure of the printing equipment and counterfeit materials had disrupted what it described as a potential threat to monetary and financial stability.
It warned that widespread circulation of counterfeit currency could contribute to inflationary pressures, exchange-rate distortions and disruptions within the financial sector.
Special intelligence teams remain deployed to locate other suspects, while state prosecutors have initiated processes to seek the forfeiture of vehicles, printing equipment and mobile devices allegedly linked to the operations.
The NSCS has urged financial institutions, property owners and religious organisations to strengthen checks on activities conducted on their premises and encouraged the public to report suspicious printing operations and unusual foreign-currency transactions to security agencies.
