Police Arrest Three Over GH¢20m Counterfeit GTP Fabrics at Adabraka

Ghanaian police have arrested three individuals and seized counterfeit fabric products bearing fake GTP trademarks, with an estimated market value of approximately GH¢20 million (about 1.7 million US dollars). The operation targeted a large-scale cross-border smuggling and counterfeiting network.

According to a statement from the Ghana Police Service, the operation was launched on Monday, November 9, 2026, by the Special Operations Team (SOT) under the Inspector-General of Police, based on intelligence indicating that two articulated trucks were unloading suspected contraband goods at a warehouse near Kojo Thompson Highway in Adabraka, Accra.

The two trucks, with license plates SMK-161-YH and T-28975-LA, were suspected of transporting the goods from Nigeria. Police arrested two suspects at the scene: Salifu Mamuda (50 years old) and Iddrisa Mohammed (44 years old). The third suspect, Eric Boakye, was arrested subsequently.

Brand Authentication and Tax Stamp Verification

Following the seizure, police invited officials from the textile manufacturer GTP (Ghana Textile Printing Company) to examine the goods. GTP representatives confirmed that the printed fabrics were counterfeit products bearing imitation GTP labels. GTP is a landmark textile brand established in Ghana in 1966, enjoying high recognition in the West African market.

Additionally, officials from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) conducted an inspection and confirmed that the tax stamps affixed to the fabric were also forged. Under Ghana's Excise Tax Stamp Act, textiles are among the goods requiring the affixing of excise stamps, and counterfeiting or altering tax stamps constitutes a criminal offense.

Suspects' Statements and Investigation Progress

The suspects reportedly told investigators that the goods were smuggled into Ghana from Nigeria through the Akanu border in the Volta Region. Currently, the seized goods have been transferred to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters for further investigation, and the three suspects have been handed over to the Special Investigation Unit. The two trucks used for transportation have also been impounded.

Police stated that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other individuals potentially involved in this smuggling and distribution network. This case highlights the challenges facing Ghana's textile industry, including counterfeiting and smuggling, which authorities have recently been cracking down on.