Connect with us

Crime and Investigation

Sapeiman fake gold bust: National Security actively tracking mastermind – Jakpa

Published

on

The Director in charge of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat, Richard Jakpa, has disclosed that a manhunt is still underway for the alleged kingpin behind a sophisticated counterfeiting syndicate busted in Sapeiman, a suburb of Accra, in February.

During an exclusive tour of the crime scene with journalists, Mr. Jakpa revealed that the evidence retrieved from the site, described as overwhelming, has been left untouched to preserve its integrity as investigations continue.

The bust, which stunned many within the security establishment, led to the discovery of ten 40-foot containers filled with counterfeit Ghana cedi and US dollar notes.

Operatives believe that two of the containers were hastily moved out just before the operation commenced.

In a shocking twist, security personnel also uncovered several official Bank of Ghana (BoG) money boxes at the scene.

Authorities have since verified that these boxes are not replicas but genuine BoG property, raising further questions about how they ended up in the possession of the counterfeit syndicate.

One of the most eye-opening discoveries was an adjoining uncompleted building, deceptively modest in appearance, which served as the primary front for the illicit operation.

At its entrance, an elderly man locally known as the “Battery Doctor” ran a vehicle battery-charging service, a calculated ruse designed to deflect suspicion.

A walkthrough of the interior revealed stacks of counterfeit notes in multiple currencies and denominations.

Investigators also found a collection of fake gold bars, many of which were already peeling to reveal silver-colored metal beneath.

Mr. Jakpa confirmed that the operation was run by a highly organized criminal network. He stated that the group’s suspected mastermind, identified only as “Alhaji,” remains at large.

However, he assured journalists that National Security operatives are actively tracking his movements.

“We have solid evidence connecting Alhaji to the crime scene and to the broader network of illegal activities,” Mr. Jakpa said. “We are confident that it is only a matter of time before he is apprehended.”

The discovery of the counterfeit ring has sparked renewed concerns about financial security and the infiltration of national symbols by criminal elements.

National Security has pledged to bring all those involved to justice and to strengthen surveillance systems.

Source: Citi Newsroom

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Crime and Investigation

OSP Charges Paul Adom-Otchere Over GACL Contract; Fails to Meet Bail Conditions

Published

on

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has formally charged Paul Adom-Otchere, former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), alongside two other individuals, in connection with a contentious revenue assurance contract.

 

Despite being granted bail, Mr. Adom-Otchere remains in custody after failing to meet the bail requirement of providing two landed properties registered in his name. He reportedly informed investigators that he does not own any such properties in Ghana, making compliance with the condition unattainable.

 

Also charged are Otchere Kwame Baffour Awuah, Group Executive for Commercial Services at GACL, and Albert Adjetey Adjei-Laryea, Chief Executive Officer of Devnest Systems.

 

The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into a revenue assurance contract awarded to a private firm allegedly linked to the owner of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML). The OSP is examining suspected procurement violations, including the alleged sole-sourcing of a company that did not receive board approval from GACL.

 

Mr. Adom-Otchere was summoned for questioning on Thursday, July 31, following a formal notice issued on July 25, 2025.

 

In an interview with Citi Newsroom prior to his appearance before the OSP, Adom-Otchere described the investigation as politically driven. “I describe this as a witch-hunt,” he stated, asserting that he played no part in executing the contract. “The contract in question was signed by the Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company, and I was not even aware it had been executed.”

 

He further questioned why the investigation is focused on him instead of the GACL management officials who handled the contract process.

 

The OSP is expected to release additional information on the case and outline the next steps in the legal process in the coming days.

Continue Reading

Crime and Investigation

OSP’s Bail Conditions for Adom-Otchere ‘Unjust and Excessive’ – Lawyer

Published

on

Nicholas Lenin Anane Agyei, legal representative for Paul Adom-Otchere, has condemned the bail terms set by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), describing them as harsh and discriminatory.

 

This follows the OSP’s directive that Mr. Adom-Otchere, former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), must present two landed properties registered in his name before securing bail. Despite being officially granted bail, he remains in custody due to his inability to meet this condition.

 

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Thursday, July 31, Mr. Agyei expressed concern that the OSP’s demands appear intended to deliberately prolong Mr. Adom-Otchere’s detention.

 

He argued that the requirement was not only excessive but also unfair to individuals without significant assets.

 

“Asking for two landed properties in the name of the accused is an unreasonable demand, especially when it’s known he doesn’t own any. It’s as though the system is designed to deny bail to those without wealth,” he said.

 

Mr. Agyei further revealed that during preliminary procedures, Mr. Adom-Otchere had clearly indicated that he does not possess any landed properties. Despite this disclosure, the OSP still made such a condition central to his bail.

 

“It’s concerning that the OSP would insist on such conditions even after learning about his lack of property ownership. This, in our view, amounts to a veiled attempt to keep him behind bars,” he added.

 

He assured the public that the legal team is actively pursuing all lawful channels to challenge the conditions and secure the release of his client.

 

Continue Reading

Crime and Investigation

OSP Invites Former GACL Board Chair Paul Adom-Otchere Over Suspected Corruption in Audit Deal

Published

on

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has summoned Paul Adom-Otchere, the former Board Chairman of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption and financial irregularities.

 

The probe focuses on a revenue assurance audit contract between GACL and a private firm, with suspicions surrounding the financial management and accounting of airport revenues under the agreement.

 

In an official letter dated July 25, 2025, the OSP identified Mr. Adom-Otchere as a suspect in the matter, citing potential corruption and corruption-related offenses. He has been asked to appear at the OSP’s South Ridge office on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

 

Confirming receipt of the summons in an interview with Myjoyonline.com, Mr. Adom-Otchere, who recently completed his term as board chair, disclosed that his legal team has requested a new date—Monday, August 4—due to court engagements in Kumasi.

 

While pledging his full cooperation, he expressed surprise at being singled out, arguing that the decision-making around the contract was primarily handled by GACL management and its managing director, both of whom remain in office and available to assist with the inquiry.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 KPDOnline. Powered by AfricaBusinessFile