As Ghana’s vibrant Detty December festivities draw thousands of expatriates and tourists to Accra’s bustling nightlife and cultural hotspots, a series of alarming viral videos has exposed a darker underbelly: brazen extortion by individuals posing as police officers and opportunistic thefts targeting visitors.
In one clip gaining traction online, a British man vacationing in the capital for the holiday season vented his frustration, declaring Ghana the “only country in the world where you get robbed by the police.” The expatriate recounted being stopped late at night by uniformed men who demanded cash under threat, leaving him shaken and questioning the safety of what should be a joyous homecoming for the diaspora.
Detty December: Investigations Commenced in Expat Tourists Report Shocking Police Extortion and Theft in Accra
The most disturbing account comes from an American woman who detailed a harrowing ordeal in a widely shared video, claiming she was effectively kidnapped after hailing an Uber for a casual dinner outing. According to her emotional narration, the driver pulled over abruptly, allowing four armed men in police uniforms to bundle her and her male friend into a vehicle, where they were driven to an isolated spot. The assailants, spotting her foreign accent, allegedly mocked her as a “rich American” loaded with money, rifling through her belongings to seize phones, cameras, and cash. She described futile attempts to resist—questioning their actions only enraged them, leading to her friend being handcuffed while one officer kept a constant, intimidating grip on her. The group then forced them to an ATM to withdraw around $400, bizarrely justifying the shakedown with twisted interpretations of Bible verses about “rendering unto Caesar” before promising to escort them to a station that never materialized.
Compounding the unease, another expatriate staying in an Accra Airbnb shared her dismay after cleaners allegedly ransacked her rental, making off with valuables while she stepped out for the day’s events. This incident, though less violent, highlights a pattern of petty crimes exploiting the influx of visitors during peak season, when short-term rentals skyrocket in demand and prices. Social media buzz around these stories has exploded, with users tagging the Ghana Police Service and Tourism Authority, demanding swift action to protect the very guests fueling the economy through concerts, beach raves, and AfroFuture festivals.
STATEMENT – Detty December: Investigations Commenced in Expat Tourists Report Shocking Police Extortion and Theft in Accra
STATEMENT – Detty December: Investigations Commenced in Expat Tourists Report Shocking Police Extortion and Theft in Accra
In response, the Ghana Police Service announced an urgent probe on December 8, vowing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, while the Ghana Tourism Authority reassured visitors that enhanced security measures are in place to safeguard the festive spirit. Officials emphasized Ghana’s commitment to being a “secure and welcoming” destination, but the scandals threaten to tarnish Detty December’s global allure, prompting calls for better training, vetting of uniforms, and tourist awareness campaigns. As the celebrations ramp up toward year-end extravaganzas, experts urge travelers to verify rides, secure valuables, and report incidents immediately—transforming what should be a month of unbridled joy into a cautionary tale of vigilance.
