Kofi Boakye in police grips over impersonation

A former police officer, Kofi Boakye Frimpong, has been arrested for allegedly impersonating a Chief Inspector of the Ghana Police Service.

The 54-year-old suspect was picked up on September 17, 2025, at the Zenu Star Fuel Station after officers on duty noticed his suspicious conduct.

He was reportedly dressed in a black tactical police uniform with Chief Inspector insignia when he arrived at the scene.

According to police sources, Frimpong attempted to escape on a motorbike when approached by personnel, but he was swiftly pursued and apprehended.

Investigations later confirmed that he had been dismissed from the Ghana Police Service several years ago but continued presenting himself as a serving officer.

Police say Frimpong, who has been residing in Ashaiman since his dismissal, allegedly used the fake identity to gain recognition and possible privileges within the community. Authorities are probing whether he exploited his false rank to defraud or extort individuals.

He has been charged with impersonation and deceit of public officers and was arraigned before the Ashaiman District Court. Frimpong pleaded guilty to the charges and pleaded for leniency.

The court has remanded him into custody, deferring sentencing to October 14, 2025, pending further investigation.

In a statement following the incident, police cautioned the public to remain alert to such acts of impersonation.

They advised citizens to always verify the identities of individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers before offering cooperation or assistance.

The statement added that impersonation of police officers undermines public trust and poses serious security risks. Authorities assured that those caught engaging in such acts will face the full rigours of the law.

Police impersonation is hardly a new occurrence. Just days ago, one Osei Kwame, alias ‘Nsafufoo’ was arrested in the Ashanti Region after posting a viral video in which he wore full police uniform. Authorities charged him with impersonation and unlawful possession of police clothes

In March last year, a man by the name Hassan Avorgah was arrested in Nima for impersonation and unlawful possession of a police uniform. He was found with police accoutrements, claiming authority to arrest civilians.

Many of these incidents involve the use of actual or near-real police, military uniforms, rank badges, boots, handcuffs, and other gears. In some cases, name tags or rank lanyards are forged or adapted.

Some impostors manage the deception for quite some time months in some cases before being caught.

Typically, these impersonations are done to  often to gain authority and sometimes for fraud.