The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has begun a full investigation into a viral video in which an American woman identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey claims she was kidnapped and robbed by men she alleged were police officers.
The video, which circulated widely on social media, featured Ms. Mackey alleging that five masked men, whom she described as officers on snap-check duty, abducted her in Accra and stole an unspecified amount of money from her.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 9, the CID confirmed that preliminary inquiries traced the recording to a hotel in Accra, where Ms. Mackey and two companions were lodging. Investigators established that the group checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025, and that Ms. Mackey departed Ghana the same day through the Kotoka International Airport.
According to the CID, efforts to engage the alleged victim after her departure yielded little cooperation. Police reached her for initial questioning, during which she said she was outside the country and unable to provide the names of the alleged officers or the number plate of the vehicle purportedly used in the incident.
Investigators also requested contact information for a Ghana-based friend she claimed was with her during the alleged attack. However, Ms. Mackey reportedly stated that her friend was unwilling to be involved in the case.
The police further disclosed that Ms. Mackey has since deleted the viral video from her social media page. Multiple attempts by investigators to contact her through WhatsApp calls and messages have been unsuccessful, with the team later finding themselves blocked by her account.
Meanwhile, the CID says it is working to secure her cooperation through appropriate diplomatic channels, as the investigation continues.
“The Ghana Police Service treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case,” the statement stressed.
