THE Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has launched investigations into a viral video in which an American citizen, Arianna Naomi Mackey, alleged that she was kidnapped and robbed by five masked men she claimed were police officers on snapcheck duty in Accra.
According to the Police, the allegation is being handled with utmost seriousness.
A statement issued in Accra and signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, Public Relations Officer of the CID, said preliminary enquiries had established details requiring further clarification to determine the authenticity of the claim.
Initial findings revealed that the video was recorded in a hotel in Accra where Ms Mackey and two companions had lodged. The three were confirmed to have checked out on December 5, 2025āthe same day Ms Mackey departed Ghana through the Kotoka International Airport.
The statement continued that Ms Mackey was contacted to assist with the investigation but informed the Police that she was outside the country. She reportedly added that she could not provide the names of the alleged officers involved, nor the registration number of the vehicle they purportedly used.
Investigators also requested contact details of a friend Ms Mackey claimed was present during the alleged incident. However, she said the friend was unwilling to participate in the inquiry.
The CID noted that she has since deleted the viral video from her social media page. Several attempts to reach her via WhatsApp calls and messages have been unsuccessful, as she declined to respond and later blocked the investigative team.
Meanwhile, the Police said efforts were underway through diplomatic channels to secure her cooperation.
In a related development, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has assured the public and the international community that Ghana remained a safe and welcoming destination for all.
The assurance comes in the wake of the viral video in which some African-Americans alleged to have been kidnapped and money extorted from them by persons claiming to be police officers. The video, which had widely been shared on social media, raised concerns about visitor safety in the country.
A statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs, GTA, Bright Asempa Tsadidey, and shared with The Ghanaian Times said the Ghana Police Service and the Cyber Security Authority had launched full investigations into the matter.
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
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