The Ghana Police Service has arrested 11 individuals including Nigerians for allegedly using deepfake AI-generated video content to impersonate President John Dramani Mahama.
The arrests were carried out between May 1 and May 3, 2026, as part of a series of coordinated cyber operations in various parts of the Volta Region, including Sogakope, Dabala, Tongu, Akatsi, and Aflao.
The suspects are Raphael Ablordeppey, 32; Anipah Jonathan, 23; Dzamesi Bright Kofi, 35; Thomas Ayoyo, 17; Louis Segbawu, 18; Bishop Esiri, 46; Wisdom James, 25; Ali Lucky, 23; Edwin Edos, 22; John Kofi Darlington, 20; and Danu Peter, aged 19.
Several items retrieved include laptop computers, mobile phones, internet routers, 120 pre-registered SIM cards, and a Nigerian-registered ML 350 Mercedes-Benz with registration number Lagos LSR 138HR.
Police preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects used AI-generated content to fraudulently solicit money and sensitive personal information from unsuspecting members of the public through online platforms.
“It was further established that the suspects are part of a wider network engaged in the creation and dissemination of fraudulent digital content designed to impersonate high-profile personalities for financial gains,” a police statement said.
Nine of the suspects have been remanded into police custody and are expected to reappear on May 25, 2026.
However, two others, Thomas Ayoyo and Louis Segbawu were granted bail with two sureties to be justified.
