The Ghana Police Service says the American woman, Arianna Naomi Mackey, who went viral accusing five masked men purporting to be police officers of kidnapping and robbing her in Accra, has left the country and is refusing to cooperate with investigations.
In a press release issued by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the Police disclosed that preliminary probes established that Ms Mackey recorded the viral video at a hotel in Accra where she was staying with two companions.
Investigations further revealed that she checked out of the hotel and departed Ghana through Kotoka International Airport on December 5, 2025, the same day she posted the video.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms. Mackey and two companions were staying. The investigation also confirmed that they checked out of the hotel on December 5th, 2025. Checks at the Kotoka International Airport also disclosed that she left Ghana on the same day.
“The Police subsequently contacted the alleged victim to assist the investigation. 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,” the statement said.
According to the police, when asked to provide contact details of a Ghanaian friend who she claimed was with her during the incident, she stated that the friend did not want to be involved.
Subsequently, Ms Mackey deleted the video from her social media page and has since blocked the investigating team on WhatsApp after declining WhatsApp calls and messages.
“The Ghana Police Service treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case,” the statement signed by CID Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, emphasised.
The Police added that efforts are ongoing to secure Ms Mackey’s cooperation through appropriate diplomatic channels.