Police Arrest Two Over Suspected GH¢20m Counterfeit GTP Wax Prints in Accra

Story by: Regina Bless

The Ghana Police Service has arrested two men following the seizure of a large consignment of wax print fabrics suspected to be counterfeit GTP products in Adabraka, Accra.

The suspects, identified as 50-year-old Salifu Mamuda and 44-year-old Iddrisa Mohammed, were apprehended on Monday, November 9, during an intelligence-led operation by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team (SOT).

The arrests followed intelligence received by the Police that two articulated trucks, believed to have arrived from Nigeria, were unloading suspected contraband goods at a warehouse near the Kojo Thompson Highway in Adabraka.

The trucks, bearing registration numbers SMK-161-YH and T-28975-LA, were found transporting substantial quantities of assorted wax print fabrics believed to have been smuggled into Ghana from Nigeria.

The seized fabrics are estimated to have a market value of approximately GH¢20 million.

According to the Police, the operation forms part of an ongoing effort to combat the illegal importation and circulation of counterfeit products and other prohibited goods across the country.

Following the operation, the confiscated fabrics were transported to the National Police Headquarters in Accra as investigations continue.

The two suspects remain in police custody and are cooperating with investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the shipment, including its importation and intended distribution.

The Police have also indicated that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other persons suspected of being connected to the alleged smuggling and distribution network.

The development highlights ongoing concerns about the entry of suspected counterfeit goods into the Ghanaian market and the potential implications for legitimate businesses, consumers and local industries.