Security man arraigned for posing as a cop at ShattaFest

A private security officer who allegedly wore a police camouflage uniform with the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) at the Black Star Square during the “ShattaFest Concert” has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.

Akoto Nelson, 34, has been charged with possession of police accoutrements without lawful authority and falsely pretending to be a public officer.

He pleaded not guilty when the charges were read before the court, presided over by Mr Jojo Hagan, and was ordered to remain on his previous bail.

Checks by the Ghana News Agency indicate that Nelson had earlier been admitted to bail in the sum of GH₵50,000 with two sureties.

The prosecution said the complainant is a police officer stationed at the Formed Police Unit (FPU) of the Ghana Police Service.

On October 19, 2025, at about 1:00 a.m., a team from the FPU led by DSP Alexander Asamoah arrested Nelson at the Black Star Square during the “ShattaFest Concert.”

Nelson was found dressed in a police camouflage uniform, ranked himself as ASP, and presented himself as such to the public at the event.

During interrogation, Nelson failed to properly identify himself or provide lawful authority to wear the uniform.

A subsequent search of his residence led to the retrieval of a toy P99 pistol, pepper spray, two ZTE mini handsets, and one Xinte cutter knife. Also found were two complimentary cards bearing the names of ACP Christian Tetteh Yohuno (then Deputy Accra Regional Police Commander) and Chief Superintendent C.A. Wlemegah (Director of Transport).

Investigations revealed that Nelson had been in possession of the uniform since 2022 and had worn it to funerals and other public events to intimidate members of the public.

Further investigations are ongoing.

Source: GNA