The Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat, Richard Jakpa, has disclosed that a manhunt is still underway for the alleged mastermind behind a sophisticated counterfeiting syndicate that was dismantled in Sapeiman, a suburb of Accra, in February.
Speaking during an exclusive tour of the crime scene with journalists, Mr Jakpa revealed that the evidence retrieved from the location—described as overwhelming—had been left undisturbed to preserve its integrity as the investigation continues.
The operation, which shocked many within the security services, led to the discovery of ten 40-foot containers filled with counterfeit Ghana cedi and US dollar notes.
Operatives believe that two containers, were hastily removed shortly before the raid commenced.
In a startling development, security personnel also uncovered several official Bank of Ghana (BoG) money boxes at the scene.
Authorities, have since verified that these boxes are not replicas, but authentic Bank of Ghana property, raising serious questions about how they came into the possession of the counterfeiting ring.
One of the most striking discoveries was an adjoining, unfinished building with a deceptively modest exterior, which served as the main base for the illegal operation.
At the entrance to the building, an elderly man—locally known as the “Battery Doctor”—ran a vehicle battery-charging service, a carefully crafted ruse intended to avoid suspicion.
Inside, investigators discovered stacks of counterfeit notes in various currencies and denominations.
They also uncovered a stash of fake gold bars, many of which were already peeling, exposing silver-coloured metal underneath.
Mr Jakpa, confirmed that the operation was being run by a highly organised criminal network. He disclosed that the suspected ringleader, known only as “Alhaji,” remains on the run.
However, he assured journalists that National Security operatives are actively tracking his movements.
“We have solid evidence connecting Alhaji to the crime scene and to the broader network of illegal activities,” Mr Jakpa said. “We are confident that it is only a matter of time before he is apprehended.”
The discovery of the counterfeiting syndicate has reignited concerns about financial security and the infiltration of national institutions by criminal networks.
National Security has pledged to bring all those involved to justice and to bolster surveillance systems.
In February this year, National Security, conducted a major bust, seizing large—though unspecified—amounts of US dollars and Ghana cedis, including counterfeit currency, hidden in twelve 20-foot shipping containers.
The containers were traced to a warehouse in Sapeiman in the Ga South Municipality, where a special operation was launched following a tip-off.
The illicit currency—mostly bundles of US dollars—had been cleverly concealed in wooden boxes filled with cement.
Additional boxes opened at the warehouse during the sting operation revealed more currency stashed inside, sealed off with plywood and topped with layers of charcoal.
According to National Security operatives involved in the raid, two of the containers remain unaccounted for, but state security trackers are currently pursuing them.
Further shocking discoveries at the warehouse included boxes of metal believed to be fake gold bars, counterfeit Ghana cedi notes in 50 and 100 denominations, as well as bogus Ghana Army uniforms and boots.