Fake currency dealer grabbed … Manhunt on for accomplice

THE ASHANTI Regional Mobile Force Unit of the Ghana Police Service has arrested a 27-year-old unemployed, for allegedly dealing in fake currencies.

Akwasi Asare was arrested on February 19, 2010 at his residence at Odeneho Kwadaso, a suburb of Kumasi, following a tip-off. ASP Thomas Owoahene Acheampong, Regional Commander of the Mobile Force Unit, said, at a media briefing in Kumasi on Tuesday, that the police received information that the suspect and an accomplice (now at large), were arguing over what appeared to be fake currency.

He said the information indicated that the suspect had in his possession some fake currencies, including local and foreign ones.

ASP Acheampong said the police deployed personnel to the residence of the suspect, and arrested him.

His accomplice, whose name was only given as “Apino,” is now at large, according to the Mobile Force Commander.

A search of the apartment of the suspect revealed unquantifiable amounts of fake currencies in various denominations, including local old and new Ghana Cedis, US Dollars and CFA Francs.

Also included were chemicals, both in powdered and liquid form, allegedly used by the suspect to manufacture the counterfeit currencies.

Meanwhile, ASP Acheampong has disclosed that the police are investigating a case involving a complainant who is said to have been duped of an amount GH¢11,000, suspected to be fake currencies.

He said the counterfeit money, which is in the possession of the police, look exactly like genuine ones, stressing that the difference between the two was very slim, and that only a careful scrutiny can reveal the disparities.

He has therefore appealed to members of the public to be on the lookout when indulging in any form of transaction that involves money, so as not to fall prey to the fake currencies currently in circulation.