The Ghana Police Service has opened a full-scale investigation into a viral video in which an American woman, identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, claimed she was kidnapped and robbed in Accra by men she alleged were police officers.

According to a statement from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the video, recorded at a hotel in Accra, featured Ms Mackey alleging that “she was kidnapped by five masked men, whom she alleges were officers of the Ghana Police Service on snap-check duty in Accra, and robbed her of some amount of money.”

Police inquiries revealed that Ms Mackey and two companions checked out of their hotel on December 5, 2025. Airport checks also confirmed she left the country that same day.

Investigators say they contacted Ms Mackey to support the probe, but she told them she was outside Ghana and was unable to provide the names of the alleged officers or the vehicle number plate involved.

The CID noted: “She indicated to Police that she was out of the country and she could not get the names of the alleged officers nor the number plate of the vehicle they were using.”

Police also attempted to reach a friend who Ms Mackey said was with her during the incident, but the friend “does not want to be involved in the investigation.”

The statement, signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, Public Relations Officer for the CID, further revealed that Ms Mackey has since deleted the viral video, and attempts to reach her again have failed.

“Efforts by the investigators to contact her through WhatsApp calls and messages have proved unsuccessful, as she has declined to respond and later blocked the team,” the CID reported.

Despite the setback, the Police say they are pursuing diplomatic channels to secure her cooperation. The Service emphasised that it takes the allegations seriously, stating it “remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case.”