The Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with the Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL), has arrested four individuals for their alleged involvement in the production and circulation of fake gazettes.
The arrests follow the launch of GPCL’s Gazette 360 Public Education Campaign, which aims to tackle fraudulent gazetting practices while educating the public on proper gazetting processes.
This was revealed in a statement by the Ghana Publishing Company on September 10.
According to statement, the four suspects were apprehended with counterfeit gazette documents intended for various uses. They are currently in police custody and are expected to be arraigned after investigations are completed.
Managing Director of GPCL, Nana Kwasi Boatey Esq., described the act as a serious threat to state authority and warned perpetrators that there will be consequences.
“Anyone involved in producing or using fake gazettes undermines the authority of the state. Such persons will be arrested, prosecuted, and jailed. GPCL will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to ensure this menace is eradicated,” he assured.
GPCL has reiterated that it remains the only constitutionally mandated institution authorised to print and publish the Ghana Gazette.
The Company urged the public to deal directly with its offices to acquire genuine gazette services and to report suspicious activities to either the police or GPCL.
The statement went on to spell out what the public needs to know about genuine gazettes. They are:
Official Source: The Ghana Publishing Company Limited is the only body mandated to print and publish the Ghana Gazette.
Security Features: Authentic gazettes carry unique watermarks, including the gold-colored Coat of Arms and other anti-counterfeit identifiers.
Approved Outlets: Genuine gazettes are available at GPCL’s Head Office in Accra and Ashanti regional office in Kumasi as well as Ghana Post offices.
Avoid Middlemen: Do not patronize unauthorized individuals or roadside agents claiming to provide gazette services.
Verification: Members of the public can verify the authenticity of any gazette at GPCL offices.
Report Suspicion: Any suspected case of fake gazettes should be reported to the Police or GPCL immediately.
These arrests highlight the GPCL’s determination to protect citizens from fraudulent practices and to safeguard the credibility of the Ghana Gazette.
