The Criminal Investigation Department has commenced investigations into a viral video in which an American citizen, identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, alleged that she was kidnapped and robbed by five masked men she claimed were officers of the Ghana Police Service on snap-check duty in Accra.

However, police say their investigations have been hampered by the alleged victim’s refusal to cooperate.

Preliminary findings indicate that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms. Mackey was staying with two companions. Further checks confirmed that she and her companions checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025, and exited the country through the Kotoka International Airport the same day.

According to the Police, Ms. Mackey was contacted and invited to assist with the ongoing investigations but indicated that she was no longer in Ghana. She also stated that she could not provide the names of the alleged officers involved, nor the registration number of the vehicle they allegedly used.

Police further requested contact details of an unidentified individual she described as Ghanaian and "a friend of a friend," who was allegedly present at the time of the alleged incident, and was allegedly cuffed and harassed. Ms. Mackey informed investigators that this friend was unwilling to be involved in the matter.

Investigators added that Ms. Mackey has since deleted the video from her social media page and has failed to respond to subsequent attempts to reach her via WhatsApp calls and messages. She later blocked further communication from the investigative team.

Efforts are currently underway to secure her cooperation through the appropriate diplomatic channels.

| Arianna Naomi Mackey from a social media video she made narrating the story of her alleged kidnapping 

The Ghana Police Service reiterated that it treats such allegations with utmost seriousness and remains committed to establishing the facts surrounding the case.

Read: GTA, GPS probe alleged kidnapping and extortion of Black American tourists