A top official at the National Security Secretariat, Richard Jakpa, has revealed that a search is still ongoing for the main suspect behind a major counterfeiting operation uncovered in Sapeiman, near Accra, in February.

Speaking to journalists during a tour of the crime scene, Mr. Jakpa said investigators had found a lot of strong evidence, which remains untouched to avoid tampering while the investigation continues.

The operation shocked security officials, as it led to the discovery of ten large containers—each 40 feet long—packed with fake Ghana cedi and US dollar notes. Investigators believe two more containers were quickly removed from the site just before the security raid.

In a surprising discovery, officers also found official Bank of Ghana (BoG) money boxes at the scene. Checks confirmed that the boxes were real and not fake, raising serious questions about how the counterfeit group got them.

Another key finding was an unfinished building nearby, which looked ordinary from the outside but was secretly being used as the main base for the criminal activities.

At the front of the building, an elderly man known in the area as the “Battery Doctor” pretended to run a car battery-charging business. This was a clever cover to avoid raising suspicion.

Inside the building, investigators discovered piles of fake money in different currencies and amounts. They also found fake gold bars, some of which were already peeling and showing silver-colored metal underneath.

Mr. Richard Jakpa confirmed that the entire operation was being run by a well-organized criminal group. He said the main suspect, known only as “Alhaji,” is still on the run. However, he assured the media that National Security officers are working hard to track him down.

“We have solid evidence connecting Alhaji to the crime scene and to the broader network of illegal activities,” Mr. Jakpa said. “We are confident that it is only a matter of time before he is apprehended.”

The uncovering of the counterfeit operation has raised serious concerns about financial safety and the potential manipulation of national symbols by criminals.

National Security has vowed to hold everyone responsible accountable and enhance monitoring systems to prevent future incidents.