The Ghana Police Service has arrested two individuals in connection with the creation and circulation of deepfake videos impersonating President John Dramani Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama. Authorities have warned that offenders risk prosecution under Ghanaian law.
In a press briefing in Accra on March 30, 2026, the Director-General of the Public Affairs Directorate, DCOP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, announced that the Service has intensified its online surveillance and will take firm action against individuals who use digital platforms to spread false information.
“Creating, sharing, or promoting deepfake or fraudulent content targeting public figures constitutes a criminal offence under the laws of Ghana,” DCOP Ansah-Akrofi said.
Suspects Apprehended
The arrests followed the circulation of manipulated videos beginning March 26, 2026, which falsely showed the President and First Lady soliciting investment funds from the public. The content was spread across Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp.
Following digital forensic analysis by the Criminal Investigations Department’s Cybercrime Enforcement Team, two suspects were arrested on March 28, 2026:
· Ben Affegensa, 41, also known online as Charisee Quentin, was traced to Kasoa in the Central Region before being arrested at Kuproti.
· Michael Yogosa was arrested the same day at a family funeral. Police said he is linked to a separate network of Facebook accounts used to impersonate the First Lady.
Both suspects remain in police custody assisting with investigations.
Legal Consequences and Public Advisory
While no specific law was cited during the briefing, the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) criminalises the publication of false digital content and unauthorised data access. Offences under the Act can 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 investments.
“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 stated.
Victims of such fraudulent schemes have been advised to report to the Cybercrime Enforcement Team of the CID or the nearest police station.
Other Arrests
In a related development, police arrested John Kwabena Owusu-Hadza, 49, in the Ashanti Region following a petition by the Judicial Service. He is alleged to have threatened a High Court judge, Justice Patricia Fosu, in a viral video.
Separately, Eric Kenny, 40, was arrested in connection with the murder of Eno Kukri, 56, who was stabbed at his farm cottage in Suhum on February 13, 2026. Police also arrested four suspects, including an alleged American national identified as Justin Madden, in connection with a series of robberies targeting jewellery shops in Accra and Takoradi. Police stated that the value of items stolen in five incidents exceeds GH¢24 million.
DCOP Ansah-Akrofi commended the officers involved and acknowledged members of the public who provided intelligence, urging continued cooperation in reporting suspicious activities.
