11 arrested over AI deepfake videos impersonating Ghanaian President Mahama
Ghana Police arrested 11 people, including five Nigerian nationals, over allegations of using AI-generated deepfake videos to impersonate President John Mahama for online fraud and personal data theft. The suspects reportedly created and distributed the videos to solicit money and information from the public.
What happened
Between May 1 and 3, 2026, Ghana Police Service Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team (CVET) arrested five suspects in the Volta Region (Sogakope, Dabala, Tongu, Akatsi and Aflao) following intelligence on a group allegedly creating and circulating AI-generated videos impersonating President Mahama.
On May 4, 2026, CVET arrested six more suspects in Aflao, comprising five Nigerian nationals and one Ghanaian. Police retrieved laptop computers, mobile phones, internet routers, 120 pre-registered SIM cards, and a Nigerian-registered vehicle during operations.
Reported impact
According to police, the suspects used AI-generated content to impersonate the president in order to fraudulently solicit money and personal information from members of the public through online platforms.
Index analysis
Investigators believe the group forms part of a wider cybercrime network involved in producing and distributing fraudulent digital content for financial gain.
Governance controls
In court on May 6, 2026, nine of the 11 suspects were remanded into police custody to reappear on May 25, 2026, while two suspects were granted bail.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.