Maame Efua Houadjeto is the CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has responded to videos making rounds on social media in which some visiting Black Americans claim they were kidnapped and extorted by people posing as police officers.
In a statement issued on December 8, 2025, and signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Bright Asempa Tsadidey, on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, the Authority said the issue is already being handled by the appropriate national security bodies.
The GTA disclosed that the Ghana Police Service, together with the Cyber Security Authority, has begun investigations into the allegations.
Ghana Tourism Authority opens call for 2025 ‘December in GH’ event proposals
It noted that both institutions are treating the matter with urgency and will provide updates once investigations are completed.
The Authority reassured the public that Ghana continues to be a safe destination, particularly as thousands of tourists arrive in the country for the December in GH activities.
“The GTA assures travellers and the general public that Ghana remains a safe and trusted destination. Security measures, supported by law enforcement agencies and tourism sector partners, have been strengthened to ensure the safety, comfort, and peace of mind of all visitors throughout the festive season,” the statement said.
One of the alleged victims, American TikToker Ari Mackey, accused officers she claims are from the Ghana Police Service of kidnapping and robbing her.
In a video posted on her social media page on December 7, 2025, Ari Mackey said the incident occurred on the night of December 6, 2025, while she and her friends were out in an Uber.
She claimed they were stopped at what appeared to be a police checkpoint by officers wearing masks, driving a patrol vehicle with concealed license plates and without name tags.
“I was kidnapped and robbed by the police in Ghana. Three masked officers stopped us. Their license plate was covered, they had no name badges, and their faces were completely hidden,” she alleged.
https://cdn.ghanaweb.com/imagelib/pics/391/39114003.jpg
Former President Kufuor shares how he became a Catholic and a Freemason
AK/AM
