Police probe viral video of American woman alleging kidnapping and robbery by masked officers

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has commenced investigations into a viral video in which an American citizen, identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, alleges she was kidnapped and robbed by five masked men purported to be police officers on snap-check duty in Accra.

In the video, Ms. Mackey claims the men abducted her and took an unspecified amount of money from her. The incident has since sparked widespread public concern both in Ghana and abroad.

According to the Police, preliminary inquiries revealed that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms. Mackey was lodging with two companions. Investigators confirmed that the trio checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025. Further checks at the Kotoka International Airport indicated that Ms. Mackey left the country on the same day.

The Police subsequently reached out to her to assist with the investigation. She informed them that she was no longer in Ghana and could not provide the names of the alleged officers or the licence plate of the vehicle involved. When asked to provide contact details of the friend who was reportedly with her at the time, she said the friend did not wish to participate in the investigation.

Investigators noted that Ms. Mackey has since deleted the viral video. Additional attempts to contact her through WhatsApp calls and messages have been unsuccessful, as she has declined to respond and later blocked the investigation team.

The Police say efforts are now underway to seek her cooperation through the appropriate diplomatic channels.

The Ghana Police Service emphasised that it takes such allegations very seriously and remains committed to establishing the facts surrounding the case.