A sophisticated fraud ring operating under the guise of officials from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has been busted for producing and selling fake marriage certificates to unsuspecting Ghanaians.
The syndicate’s activities came to light after a rejected visa application exposed inconsistencies in a marriage certificate presented to a foreign embassy. The affected individual later traced the document’s source to alleged “officials” claiming to operate through the AMA’s Marriage Registry.
Speaking on the incident, the Head of Public Affairs at the AMA, Mr. Gilbert Nii Ankrah, confirmed that the Assembly has handed the matter over to the Ghana Police Service for a full investigation. He said early findings revealed that the suspects had been issuing counterfeit marriage certificates, deceiving clients under the pretense of fast-tracking their applications.
“The Assembly has detected these fraudulent activities and has immediately handed the matter to the Police for a thorough probe,” Mr. Ankrah stated, stressing that the AMA’s legitimate marriage registration process is conducted only at its official offices and not through middlemen or agents.
He further warned the public to remain vigilant and to verify the authenticity of anyone claiming to represent the Assembly, adding that the AMA is tightening its internal processes to prevent future breaches.
The Assembly says it is collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies to dismantle the syndicate and ensure those behind the fake certificate operation face prosecution.
Public Advisory:
Members of the public seeking marriage registration are urged to visit the AMA’s official Marriage Registry or use verified channels to avoid falling victim to fraudsters posing as intermediaries.
