Two arrested for allegedly impersonating AMA task force officers
Written by; Regina Bless
Two young men have been arrested in Accra for allegedly impersonating members of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Task Force and attempting to extort money from a woman during the National Sanitation Day exercise.
The suspects, identified as Enoch Aseda and Johnson Odai Gyebi, are accused of posing as enforcement officers and invoking the names of the AMA and other state security agencies to intimidate members of the public under the pretext of enforcing sanitation regulations.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, September 5, 2026, when the suspects allegedly approached a young woman who was selling items and attempted to seize some of her belongings.
According to the victim, one of the suspects approached her while she was attending to items kept in a plastic bag and demanded that she hand them over.
The suspect was later allegedly heard making phone calls and indicating that the seized items were becoming numerous and that other people should come and collect them, creating the impression that he was part of an official enforcement team.
The activities of the suspects reportedly raised suspicion among security personnel, who intervened and arrested the two men.
The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, condemned the alleged conduct and warned that the Assembly would not tolerate individuals who use the name of the AMA, National Security or other state institutions to extort unsuspecting members of the public.
He expressed concern that such acts could damage the reputation of the Assembly and create the false impression that legitimate AMA officials were involved in unlawful activities.
The Mayor said it was particularly troubling that the suspects allegedly exploited the National Sanitation Day exercise, which is intended to encourage residents and businesses to participate in efforts to improve sanitation across the city.
He assured the victim and the general public that the matter would be handled through the appropriate legal channels and that anyone found culpable would face the law.
The Mayor also cautioned members of the public against making unofficial payments to individuals claiming to be AMA enforcement officers. He stressed that all enforcement activities must be undertaken by duly authorised personnel and in accordance with established procedures.
The two suspects have since been handed over to the police to assist with investigations into the alleged impersonation and attempted extortion.