GH¢20 Million Fake GTP Fabrics Seized in Accra as Police Swoop on Adabraka Warehouse

Ghanaian authorities have dealt a significant blow to the counterfeit textile trade after seizing suspected fake GTP wax print fabrics estimated at GH¢20 million from a warehouse in Adabraka, Accra. Two men are now in custody as investigators work to dismantle what appears to be a wider smuggling network bringing illegal goods across the border from Nigeria.

How the Operation Unfolded

The arrests were carried out on Monday, 9th November, by the Inspector-General of Police's Special Operations Team (SOT), acting on credible intelligence. Officers moved in on a warehouse near the Kojo Thompson Highway in Adabraka after receiving tip-offs that two articulated trucks, believed to have originated from Nigeria, were in the process of offloading their cargo.

The two trucks — bearing registration numbers SMK-161-YH and T-28975-LA — were found to be carrying large consignments of various wax print fabrics. The goods, suspected to be counterfeit versions of the well-known GTP brand, were confiscated and transported to the National Police Headquarters in Accra, where they remain as investigations continue.

The two suspects — Salifu Mamuda, 50, and Iddrisa Mohammed, 44 — were arrested at the scene and are currently assisting investigators. Police are seeking to establish the full supply chain: how the fabrics entered the country, who facilitated their importation, and where they were ultimately destined for sale.

What This Means for Ghana's Textile Industry

The seizure shines a light on a persistent and damaging problem for Ghana's textile sector. GTP — Ghana Textile Printing — is one of the country's most iconic fabric brands, deeply woven into Ghanaian cultural identity. Counterfeit versions of such fabrics, typically produced cheaply abroad and smuggled in, undercut legitimate local manufacturers and cost the industry jobs, revenue and reputation.

Ghana's textile industry has struggled for decades against the flood of cheap imitation fabrics from Asia and, increasingly, from across West African borders. Local manufacturers have repeatedly called on government and law enforcement agencies to strengthen enforcement at ports of entry and within domestic markets. This latest operation suggests the police are intensifying their response.

The Ghana Police Service confirmed that this action forms part of a broader, ongoing campaign to stamp out the importation and distribution of counterfeit and smuggled products across the country. Authorities have signalled that further arrests are expected, as investigators pursue individuals potentially linked to the network behind this particular consignment.

Wider Crackdown Expected

Police have made clear that the two men currently in custody are unlikely to be the last arrested in connection with this case. Investigators are actively tracking down others believed to be involved in the alleged smuggling and distribution ring. The scale of the haul — GH¢20 million worth of fabrics transported in two large articulated trucks — points to a well-organised operation rather than opportunistic smuggling.

For consumers, the message from authorities is equally pointed: purchasing counterfeit fabrics, even unknowingly, sustains criminal networks and harms legitimate Ghanaian businesses. Shoppers in busy fabric markets across Accra and beyond are encouraged to verify the authenticity of wax prints they purchase.

• The Ghana Police IGP Special Operations Team led the intelligence-driven raid in Adabraka.
• Counterfeit fabrics harm local textile manufacturers and cost Ghana jobs and tax revenue.
• Further arrests are expected as police pursue others linked to the smuggling network.