The Ghana Police Service has revealed that its investigation into the widely circulated kidnapping allegation made by an American woman in Accra has been significantly obstructed due to her refusal to cooperate.
The woman, identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, went viral after recording a video in which she claimed to have been kidnapped and robbed by individuals she said were dressed as police officers.
However, subsequent attempts by Ghanaian authorities to verify her claims have been met with silence and evasion.
In a detailed statement issued by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Police explained that although Ms. Mackey’s video sparked public concern and prompted immediate investigative action, she has since left the country and has demonstrated no willingness to assist in establishing the truth.
According to the CID, Ms. Mackey and two companions checked out of their Accra hotel on December 5, 2025, the same day airport checks confirmed she departed Ghana.
Investigators, upon reaching out to her for clarification, were met with unhelpful responses. Ms. Mackey reportedly admitted she was no longer in the country but claimed she could not provide crucial details such as the identities of the alleged officers or the number plate of the vehicle she said was used during the supposed abduction.
A portion of the Police statement emphasized her stance, noting: “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.”
Efforts to reach her for further questioning soon deteriorated. Investigators disclosed that Ms. Mackey deleted the viral video that initially triggered the investigation and has since declined to engage with law enforcement in any capacity.
According to the CID, multiple attempts to contact her via WhatsApp calls and messages have been unsuccessful, as she eventually blocked the investigative team entirely.
The complications do not end there. The woman’s alleged companion—whom she claimed was with her at the time of the incident—has also refused to participate in the inquiry.
Police say their attempts to speak with the companion were equally unsuccessful, explaining that the individual indicated they did not want to be involved in the investigation at all.
Despite these major setbacks, the Ghana Police Service insists it is not abandoning the case. The statement highlights that the Service has initiated diplomatic channels in hopes of securing Ms. Mackey’s cooperation from abroad.
Authorities stress that allegations of kidnapping, especially those implicating uniformed officers, are taken extremely seriously and must be thoroughly investigated to protect public trust and ensure accountability.
The CID reassured the public that it remains committed to uncovering the facts surrounding the viral claim. The statement was signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, Public Relations Officer for the CID, who emphasized the Service’s determination to reach a conclusive outcome despite the challenges posed by the complainant’s refusal to engage.
