The Ghana Police Service has begun investigating a viral video posted by an American citizen, Arianna Naomi Mackey, who alleged that she was kidnapped and robbed by five masked men she claimed were police officers operating a snap-check in Accra. Her video, which stirred public concern and debate, has since been deleted from her social media page.
According to the Criminal Investigation Department, early findings show that “the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms Mackey and two companions were staying.” Police say hotel records confirmed that she checked out on December 5, 2025, and further checks at Kotoka International Airport revealed she departed Ghana on the same day.
Investigators contacted Ms Mackey shortly after the video went viral, but her responses left the Police with more questions than answers. She reportedly told them she was already out of the country and insisted she “could not get the names of the alleged officers nor the number plate of the vehicle they were using.”
Police then requested contact information for the Ghanaian friend she claimed was present during the alleged incident. However, she informed investigators that her friend “does not want to be involved in the investigation.”
Since then, communication between her and the investigative team has completely broken down. The Police disclosed that Ms Mackey deleted the viral video and has not responded to follow-up messages. Attempts to reach her via WhatsApp have “proved unsuccessful, as she has declined to respond and later blocked the team.”
Despite her silence, the CID says they are exploring other avenues to move the case forward. Efforts are currently underway to obtain her cooperation “through appropriate diplomatic channels.”
The Police stressed their commitment to getting to the bottom of the matter. As the statement concludes, “The Ghana Police Service treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case.”
With the alleged victim now unreachable, the investigation enters a challenging phase one in which the truth must be pieced together without the cooperation of the very person who sparked the probe.
