The Inspector-General of Police’s (IGP) Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team (CVET) of the Ghana Police Service has arrested 11 individuals, including five Nigerians, for allegedly using AI-generated deepfake videos to impersonate President John Dramani Mahama.

Between May 1 and May 3, 2026, CVET conducted operations at Sogakope, Dabala, Tongu, Akatsi and Aflao in the Volta Region, leading to the arrest of Raphael Ablordeppey, 32; Anipah Jonathan, 23; Dzamesi Bright Kofi, 35; Thomas Ayoyo, 17; and Louis Segbawu, 18.

According to the police, the suspects were allegedly involved in the creation and circulation of AI-generated video content impersonating the President.

A separate cyber-tracking operation on May 4, 2026, led to the arrest of six additional suspects in Aflao over similar alleged online fraud activities. The suspects are Bishop Esiri, 46; Wisdom James, 25; Ali Lucky, 23; Edwin Edos, 22; John Kofi Darlington, 20; and Danu Peter, 19, the only Ghanaian among the second group.

Police retrieved several items, including laptop computers, mobile phones, internet routers, 120 pre-registered SIM cards, and a Nigerian-registered Mercedes-Benz ML 350 with registration number LSR 138HR.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly used the AI-generated content to solicit money and personal information from members of the public through online platforms.

Police further stated that the suspects are believed to be part of a wider network involved in creating and distributing fraudulent digital content impersonating high-profile personalities for financial gain.

At a court hearing on May 6, 2026, nine of the suspects were remanded into police custody and are expected to reappear on May 25, 2026. Thomas Ayoyo and Louis Segbawu were granted bail with two justified sureties.