The Ghana Police Service has opened an investigation into a viral video involving an American woman, identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, who claims she was kidnapped and robbed by five masked men she believed to be officers of the Ghana Police Service.

The incident, captured in a Snapchat video and circulated widely on social media, has sparked public concern and prompted a swift response from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

According to a press statement issued by the CID on December 9, 2025, preliminary investigations show that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms. Mackey and two companions were lodging during their stay in Ghana.

Police confirm that the trio checked out of the accommodation on December 5, 2025, before departing the country via Kotoka International Airport that same day.

The police noted attempts to engage Ms. Mackey to assist with the investigation but were informed she had already left Ghana.

Authorities have requested contact details from her friend in Ghana—the person who transported her to her hotel on the night the alleged incident occurred—to aid the ongoing inquiry.

The statement further revealed that Ms. Mackey claimed she shared her ordeal with friends on WhatsApp, including videos and messages detailing the alleged robbery, but the material has since been deleted or blocked.

The Ghana Police Service emphasised that investigations are ongoing and that efforts are being made through diplomatic channels to secure Ms. Mackey’s cooperation from abroad.

Officials urged the public to remain calm as the service works to establish the facts.

“The Ghana Police Service treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case,” the statement concluded.

The update statement was signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanaawo of the CID Public Relations Office.