Ghana Police Issue Stern Warning Against AI-Generated Deepfake Content
The Ghana Police Service has arrested two individuals in connection with creating and circulating deepfake videos of President John Dramani Mahama and First Lady Mrs Lordina Mahama to defraud the public through investment scams.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on March 30, 2026, DCOP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director-General of the Public Affairs Directorate, delivered a stern warning on behalf of Inspector-General of Police Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno about the serious legal consequences facing offenders.
"Creating, sharing, or promoting deepfake or fraudulent content targeting public figures constitutes a criminal offence under the laws of Ghana," DCOP Ansah-Akrofi stated during the briefing.
Two Suspects in Custody Following Sophisticated Investigation
The Criminal Investigations Department's Cybercrime Enforcement Team arrested both suspects on March 28, 2026, following extensive digital forensic analysis and surveillance operations.
Ben Affegensa, 41, who operates under the online alias "Charisee Quentin," became the first suspect to be apprehended. Investigators tracked him through meticulous analysis of social media accounts involved in the deepfake distribution network. After initially tracing his location to Kasoa in the Central Region, authorities successfully arrested him at Kuproti.
Michael Yogosa was arrested the same day following hours of careful surveillance. Police apprehended him at a family funeral, where he had been identified as the operator of a separate network of Facebook accounts specifically used to impersonate First Lady Lordina Mahama.
Sophisticated Investment Fraud Scheme Exposed
The fraudulent operation began on March 26, 2026, when manipulated deepfake videos featuring President Mahama started appearing across Facebook. These AI-generated videos were designed to appear authentic and were used to solicit investment funds from unsuspecting members of the public.
Simultaneously, similar deepfake content impersonating First Lady Lordina Mahama proliferated across multiple digital platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp. The coordinated nature of the campaign suggests a well-organized effort to maximize reach and potential victims.
Understanding Deepfake Technology
Deepfakes represent a concerning advancement in artificial intelligence technology that allows criminals to create highly realistic but fake videos of real people. Using sophisticated machine learning algorithms, these tools can manipulate existing footage to make it appear as though someone said or did something they never actually did.
The technology has become increasingly accessible, enabling fraudsters to create convincing impersonations of public figures for financial gain. In this case, the perpetrators leveraged the trusted images of Ghana's President and First Lady to lend credibility to their investment scam.
Enhanced Police Response and Monitoring
The Ghana Police Service has announced significant upgrades to their digital monitoring capabilities in response to this emerging threat. Authorities have enhanced their online monitoring systems and increased their digital presence across social media platforms.
Police have also intensified online patrols and committed to continuing arrests and prosecutions of individuals who exploit digital platforms to spread false information, defraud the public, or undermine state institutions.
Legal Consequences and Public Advisory
The arrests mark a significant milestone in Ghana's fight against digital fraud and misinformation. Both suspects now face prosecution under existing Ghanaian laws that cover fraud, impersonation, and cybercrime.
The police warning extends beyond content creators to include anyone who knowingly shares or promotes such fraudulent material. This comprehensive approach aims to disrupt the entire distribution chain that enables deepfake scams to reach potential victims.
Citizens are advised to exercise extreme caution when encountering investment opportunities promoted through social media, particularly those claiming endorsement from government officials. All legitimate government communications and investment programs are announced through official channels and verified sources.