The Ghana Police Service has confirmed that it is engaging diplomatic channels to secure the cooperation of Arianna Naomi Mackey, an American citizen who alleged in a viral video that she was kidnapped and extorted by five masked police officers during a snap-check operation in Accra.
According to the Police, Ms. Mackey has since blocked all attempts to contact her, limiting authorities’ ability to verify her claims. This update follows the Ghana Tourism Authority’s statement yesterday, confirming that the Police, in collaboration with the Cybersecurity Authority, have launched a full investigation into the incident, which had circulated and threatened Ghana’s preparedness to host visitors during the festive season
In a statement, the Police explained that Ms. Mackey deleted the video she posted online, has declined to respond to inquiries, and is unreachable via WhatsApp. She also blocked the team from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) handling the case.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where she and her friend were staying. They reportedly checked out on 5th December 2025, and airport records show that Ms. Mackey left the country the same day.
The Police also noted that she could not provide details about the officers she accused, including the number plate of the police van she described as “stinking.” Regarding her Ghanaian friend, whom she claimed was handcuffed, Ms. Mackey refused to share contact information, stating that she did not want her friend involved in the investigation.
“Police requested the contact details of her friend, who was allegedly with her at the time. She, however, stated that her friend does not want to be involved in the investigation,” the statement said.
In her viral video, Ms. Mackey alleged that the officers searched her and her friend’s bags, ordered her into their vehicle, and became hostile whenever she asked questions. She claimed that the officers handcuffed her friend and threatened that she would be arrested and barred from returning to the United States. She further stated that the officers forced her to an ATM to withdraw money, handing over $150, after which they allegedly extorted $400 from in total.
The incident comes amid a continued rise in Ghana’s tourism sector. The country recorded 1,681,985 tourist entries in 2024, a 19% increase compared to 1,407,709 entries in 2023, highlighting Ghana’s growing appeal as a top African destination.
This development emerges as Ghana prepares for the annual “Detty December” festival, a period known for nonstop music concerts, cultural events, and tourism activities that drive job creation and significant revenue for the country’s hospitality and entertainment industry.
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