BY Grace Zigah
The Ghana Police Service has confirmed that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a probe following a viral video involving an American citizen, Arianna Naomi Mackey, who alleges she was kidnapped and robbed by individuals she claims were police officers.
According to the CID, the video shows Mackey claiming she was abducted by five masked men, purportedly on snap-check duty in Accra, who reportedly stole an unspecified sum of money from her.
The alleged incident has triggered widespread attention on social media, raising concerns about security and police conduct in the country.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Mackey was staying with two companions.
Police records confirm that she and her companions checked out of the hotel on 5 December 2025, and she subsequently departed Ghana the same day via Kotoka International Airport.
Authorities reached out to Mackey to facilitate the investigation, but she indicated that she was outside the country and could not provide the names of the officers involved or the vehicle registration numbers.
Police also sought contact details of a friend who was reportedly present during the alleged incident, but the friend has declined to participate in the investigation.
Further complicating the investigation, Mackey has deleted the video from her social media and has blocked CID investigators on WhatsApp, making direct communication impossible.
The police have indicated that they are pursuing appropriate diplomatic channels to secure her cooperation and gain further information.
Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, Public Relations Officer of the CID, emphasized that the Ghana Police Service takes such allegations extremely seriously.
“We remain committed to uncovering the facts and ensuring that justice is served,” she stated in an official release.
