The Ghana Police Service has issued a caution to the public against creating or circulating artificial intelligence–generated deepfake content, warning that offenders may face prosecution under Ghanaian law. The announcement, delivered at a press briefing in Accra on March 30, 2026, extends to individuals who share or forward unverified videos and images on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok. Deepfakes are digitally manipulated videos, audio, or images produced with artificial intelligence to appear authentic. This technology can convincingly replicate a person’s face, voice, or actions, making it seem as though they said or did something they never actually did.
Police intensify digital surveillance
DCOP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director-General of the Public Affairs Directorate, speaking on behalf of Inspector-General of Police Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, announced that the Service has strengthened its online monitoring systems and will take decisive action against offenders. “The creation, distribution, or promotion of deepfake or fraudulent content targeting public figures is a criminal offence under Ghanaian law,” she emphasised. She further noted that the police have expanded their digital presence and patrols, and will continue to arrest and prosecute individuals who exploit online platforms to spread false information, defraud the public, or undermine state institutions.
Two arrested over Mahama deepfake videos
The warning coincided with the arrest of two suspects accused of producing and circulating deepfake videos impersonating President John Dramani Mahama and First Lady Mrs. Lordina Mahama. According to police, manipulated videos of the President began circulating on Facebook on March 26, 2026, while similar content targeting the First Lady appeared across TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp. The videos were allegedly used to solicit investment funds from the public.
Following digital forensic analysis and surveillance by the Criminal Investigations Department’s Cybercrime Enforcement Team, two suspects were apprehended on March 28, 2026. The first, Ben Affegensa, 41, also known online as Charisee Quentin, was identified through social media account analysis, tracked to Kasoa in the Central Region, and later arrested at Kuproti. The second suspect, Michael Yogosa, was detained the same day at a family funeral after hours of surveillance. Police stated that he is connected to a separate network of Facebook accounts impersonating the First Lady. Both suspects remain in custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations.
Legal backing and public caution
Although no specific law was cited during the briefing, provisions under the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) criminalise the publication and sharing of false or misleading digital content, as well as unauthorised access to data. Offences under the Act may attract fines or custodial sentences. DCOP Ansah-Akrofi urged the public to exercise caution when engaging with online content, particularly material involving public figures promoting investment opportunities or making public statements. “The public is cautioned to exercise discernment in the consumption and sharing of social media content, and to verify information before sharing from fake accounts,” she said. She further advised victims of such fraudulent schemes to report to the Cybercrime Enforcement Team of the CID or the nearest police station.
Other arrests
In a related development, police reported the arrest of Mr. John Kwabena Owusu-Hadza, 49, at around 2 a.m. on March 27, 2026, in the Ashanti Region. His arrest followed a petition from the Judicial Service of Ghana over a viral video in which he allegedly threatened High Court judge Justice Patricia Fosu. Authorities also confirmed the detention of Eric Kenny, 40, in connection with the February 13, 2026, murder of Eno Kukri, 56, who was fatally stabbed at her farm cottage in Suhum, Eastern Region. Police said Kenny had issued threats to the victim prior to the incident and fled the area before being arrested on March 28, 2026.
In a separate case, four suspects—including an alleged American national, Justin Madden—were apprehended over a string of robberies targeting jewellery shops in Accra and Takoradi between April 2025 and March 2026. Police estimate the value of stolen items in five incidents at more than GH¢24 million. A receiver, identified only as “Oyarifa,” remains at large. DCOP Grace Ansah-Akrofi commended the officers involved in the operations and expressed appreciation to members of the public whose intelligence contributed to the arrests. She urged continued cooperation in reporting suspicious activities.
Source: Mohammed Ali
