Police Arrest 11 Over AI Deepfake Videos Impersonating President Mahama

Ghanaian police have arrested eleven suspects accused of using artificial intelligence to create fake videos of President John Dramani Mahama — and using those videos to trick ordinary people into sending money and handing over personal information.

The arrests were carried out by the Cyber Vetting Enforcement Team between May 1 and 4, 2026, following intelligence reports about a group spreading AI-generated content across online platforms. Operations were conducted across five locations in the Volta Region — Sogakope, Dabala, Tongu, Akatsi, and Aflao.

Among those arrested are both Ghanaians and Nigerian nationals. The police identified them as: Anipah Jonathan (23), Dzamesi Bright Kofi (35), Thomas Ayoyo (17), Louis Segbawu (18), Raphael Ablordeppey (32), Bishop Esiri (46), Wisdom James (25), Ali Lucky (23), Edwin Edos (22), John Kofi Darlington (20), and Danu Peter (19).

Investigators recovered laptops, mobile phones, internet routers, 120 pre-registered SIM cards, and a Nigeria-registered Mercedes Benz ML 350 bearing Lagos licence plate LSR 138HR.

According to police, the suspects used AI-generated videos of the president to deceive members of the public  convincing victims to part with money or sensitive personal data through various online channels.

“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 gain,” a police situational report stated.

Nine of the eleven suspects have been remanded into police custody and are due to reappear in court on May 25, 2026. Two Thomas Ayoyo and Louis Segbawu  have been granted bail with two sureties each.

Deepfakes are AI-manipulated videos that make it appear as though a real person is saying or doing something they never did. They are increasingly being used in online fraud globally.