32-year-old imposter arrested by Ghana Police Service for impersonating police officer

A 32-year-old man, Akoto Nelson, has been arrested by the Surveillance Unit of the National Operations Directorate (NOD) of the Ghana Po

A 32-year-old man, Akoto Nelson, has been arrested by the Surveillance Unit of the National Operations Directorate (NOD) of the Ghana Police Service for impersonating a police officer during a Shatta Wale’s massive concert at the Black Star Square in Accra.

The incident occurred on Sunday, 19th October 2025, when police officers had been deployed to provide security for partygoers and organisers.

Nelson, dressed in a police uniform bearing the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), was spotted behaving suspiciously as his behaviour was full of suspicion.

Upon questioning by the Ghana Police Service, he confessed that he was not a member of the Ghana Police Service.

Further investigations revealed that Nelson had posed as a police officer to gain free access to the concert, citing financial constraints as his reason.

He admitted that the uniform he wore belonged to a deceased Chief Inspector named Gyasi, from whom he had acquired the police gear in 2022.

His actions raised serious concerns about public safety and the misuse of official police attire.

A search of Nelson’s residence in Taifa-Ashaiman led to the discovery of several items believed to be linked to the impersonation.

Among the exhibits retrieved were a toy P99 pistol, a pepper spray and its pouch, two ZTE mini handsets, a ZTE charger, a Xinfa cutter knife, complimentary cards, a voter ID bearing the name Akoto Nelson Elikem, and a birth certificate in the name Nelson Akoto. These items have been retained by the police to aid in the ongoing investigation.

Preliminary findings also indicated that Nelson is employed as a security guard and messenger at a private company.

He is currently in police custody and is expected to be arraigned before the court.

The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order and cautioned the public against impersonating law enforcement officers, stressing that such acts will be met with the full force of the law.