Ghanaian pastor on the run after allegedly turning church into counterfeit currency printing hub

The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) says Ghanaian pastor Rev Emmanuel Boakye-Danquah is at large following a nationwide crackdown on criminal syndicates allegedly involved in the large-scale production, possession and distribution of counterfeit Ghanaian and foreign currencies.

Rev Boakye-Danquah was identified by the Secretariat as a suspect linked to one of four major counterfeit currency printing hubs dismantled during six coordinated operations conducted between June 12 and July 24, 2026.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 22, the NSCS said the operations, carried out in collaboration with security and intelligence agencies, followed months of covert intelligence gathering targeting networks operating across the Greater Accra Region and surrounding districts.

The crackdown resulted in the arrest of 16 suspects and the seizure of four counterfeit currency printing machines, six vehicles, two motorcycles, as well as large quantities of finished counterfeit notes and unprocessed currency coupons.

Pastor linked to operation at religious facility

According to the NSCS, an operation on June 29 targeted an office facility at Lashibi and Klagon, where five people were arrested and printing equipment recovered.

Further intelligence reportedly led investigators to the headquarters of a religious organisation in Klagon, where administrative offices and residential quarters were allegedly being used to produce and store counterfeit currency.

One printing machine and two operational vehicles were seized during the operation.

The Secretariat also reported the seizure of counterfeit currency coupons valued at US$5,287,900, CFA623,530,000 and GH¢7,129,000.

Rev Boakye-Danquah was named as being at large in connection with the operation.

The NSCS said its analysis of the dismantled networks indicated that some of the syndicates allegedly exploited churches and administrative premises of religious organisations to conceal their activities.

According to the Secretariat, the use of such premises allegedly helped reduce suspicion about the presence of printing equipment while providing space to store materials.