CID Launches Investigation Into Viral Kidnapping Claim by American Woman

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has commenced a full-scale investigation into a viral video in which an American woman, identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, claimed she was kidnapped and robbed by masked men purported to be Ghanaian police officers.

The video, widely circulated on social media, alleged that five masked individuals, whom Ms. Mackey described as police officers on snap-check duty in Accra, abducted her and stole an unspecified amount of money. The allegations, which quickly sparked public concern and international attention, prompted the CID to issue an official statement on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

According to the CID, preliminary findings show that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra, where Ms. Mackey had been lodging with two companions. Investigators confirmed that she and her associates checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025. Checks at the Kotoka International Airport further revealed that Ms. Mackey departed Ghana on the same day, leaving the country shortly after the alleged incident.

Following internal checks, police made immediate attempts to contact Ms. Mackey for more details to aid the investigation. She allegedly told the police she was outside Ghana and could not identify the officers, provide their names, nor recall the number plate of the vehicle they used.

Police then requested contact details of a friend in Ghana whom Ms. Mackey claimed was present during the alleged encounter. She declined, stating that the friend did not want to be involved.

In a further twist, the CID reports that Ms. Mackey deleted the viral video from her social media pages and has since ignored all attempts by investigators to reach her via WhatsApp calls and messages. She subsequently blocked the CID’s investigative team, making direct communication impossible.

The Ghana Police Service says efforts are ongoing to obtain Ms. Mackey’s cooperation through appropriate diplomatic channels, a move that suggests the matter may now extend into bilateral discussions between Ghana and the United States.

Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, Public Relations Officer for the CID, emphasized in the statement that the Ghana Police Service takes such allegations seriously.

“The Ghana Police Service treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case,” she said.

The CID is urging the public to remain calm while investigations continue, stressing that the circumstances surrounding Ms. Mackey’s claims, including the rapid deletion of her video and refusal to cooperate, are central to determining the credibility of the allegations.