A 57-year-old man accused of stealing goods from shops in several parts of southern Ghana has been arrested by the police following the circulation of videos allegedly showing him engaging in shoplifting activities.

The suspect, identified as Nsiah Samuel, was arrested at a hideout in Akode, near Somanya in the Eastern Region, after a joint operation by the Somanya District Police Command and the Borteyman Police in Accra.

The Somanya District Police Commander, ASP Nana Akomeah, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the arrest took place on November 5, 2026, at about 3:30 p.m.

He said the operation followed intelligence gathered by the police after videos accusing the suspect of stealing various items from shops in Accra and other parts of southern Ghana went viral on TikTok and other social media platforms.

According to ASP Akomeah, the suspect identified himself during interrogation as a 57-year-old resident of Akrade in the Asuogyaman District, who claims to be a chief and a minister of the gospel.

The police commander said the suspect admitted to stealing several items, including consumable goods, electronic gadgets, clothing and other merchandise from shops in multiple communities.

The locations mentioned include Kibi, Suhum, Ashaiman, Accra Central, Koforidua, Tema, Akosombo and Adenta, among other areas.

His alleged activities across the different locations had attracted attention on social media, with videos purportedly showing him taking items from shops circulating widely before his arrest.

The suspect remains in police custody and is assisting investigators with their inquiries. He is expected to face possible prosecution after investigations are completed.

The arrest follows growing public attention surrounding the viral shoplifting allegations, although the suspect's alleged offences will have to be established through the legal process.

EA