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

The operations, conducted between June 12 and July 24, 2026, targeted networks allegedly involved in the production, possession and distribution of counterfeit Ghanaian and foreign currencies.

The NSCS said six intelligence-led raids were carried out following months of covert intelligence gathering.

The operations led to the seizure of four counterfeit currency printing machines, six vehicles and two motorcycles allegedly used by the syndicates.

Security agencies also recovered US$543,000, GH¢196,600 and CFA60,000 in finished counterfeit notes.

They also seized unprocessed coupons allegedly awaiting further printing, including US$5.29 million, GH¢19.55 million and CFA623.55 million.

According to the NSCS, the syndicates operated through structured networks involving technical printing operators, cross-border facilitators and commercial dispatch riders who transported counterfeit currency to buyers.

In one operation targeting a transnational criminal cell, seven suspects, including three Ghanaians and four foreign nationals, were arrested. Three unregistered vehicles and US$65,900 in counterfeit notes were also seized.

At Amuzu, near Kasoa, security operatives arrested one suspect and seized a currency printing machine, fake gold bars, mobile phones and counterfeit currency.

Five suspects were also arrested during an operation in Lashibi and Klagon, where investigators discovered printing equipment and a storage facility containing counterfeit currency materials.

Another operation at Lakeside Estate led to the arrest of a suspected distributor and the seizure of five boxes of counterfeit GH¢200 notes with an estimated face value of GH¢12.42 million, along with two motorcycles.

The NSCS said some of the syndicates allegedly used religious and administrative premises as cover for printing and storing counterfeit currency.

The 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.

The NSCS said prosecution proceedings are ongoing at the Accra High Court, while security agencies continue efforts to locate other suspects identified during the investigations.

Prosecutors have also begun processes to seek the forfeiture of vehicles, printing equipment and mobile devices allegedly used in the operations.

The NSCS 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 security agencies.