Ghana Regulators Warn of Crypto Scam Using President…
Ghanaian regulators have issued a formal warning regarding a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme utilizing a deepfake video of President John Dramani Mahama
- Incident date
- Sep 2026
- Target
- John Dramani Mahama
In early September 2026, financial regulators in Ghana issued a public warning regarding a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam that leverages deepfake technology to impersonate former President John Dramani Mahama. The alert, disseminated by the Bank of Ghana and the Securities and Exchange Commission, highlights an increasing trend of bad actors using AI-generated content to deceive the public.
What happened
The incident involved the creation and distribution of a deepfake video featuring the likeness of John Dramani Mahama. In the video, the AI-generated figure appears to endorse a specific cryptocurrency investment platform, lending a veneer of legitimacy to the operation. By utilizing the authority associated with the president's persona, the scammers aimed to lure unsuspecting individuals into depositing funds into fraudulent accounts.
Regulators have clarified that the president is not affiliated with the investment scheme depicted in the footage. The incident underscores a growing challenge for regional authorities as they attempt to curb digital fraud in an era where high-fidelity synthetic media can be easily manufactured. The Bank of Ghana and the Securities and Exchange Commission have urged the public to exercise extreme caution, verify information through official government channels, and refrain from engaging with investment opportunities promoted through suspicious or unauthorized digital media.