Ghana’s “Detty December” has successfully established itself as a premier destination for Black Americans and the diaspora seeking a vibrant festive season. However, the success of this initiative is currently under attack following a viral video by an American tourist named Naomi McKay. She alleged she was abducted and robbed by individuals posing as Ghana police officers.
The claim sparked immediate controversy, with some observers suggesting McKay was a “paid actor” hired to create a false narrative to distract people from traveling to Ghana. We break down the explosive claims, the police investigation that followed, and what the evidence suggests.
The Explosive Claim: What Naomi McKay Alleged
Naomi McKay’s original video, which has since been deleted, laid out a series of alarming accusations:
- The Abduction: She claimed she and a friend were stopped by three armed, masked police officers whose license plate was covered.
- Extortion and Threats: The officers allegedly took their phones and cameras to prevent recording. They drove the tourists around and demanded money, threatening to arrest her and prevent her from boarding her flight back to America.
- The ATM Extortion: She claimed the officers forced her to withdraw money from an ATM, eventually extorting around $400 in total from both her and her friend. McKay stated she felt “powerless” during the ordeal.
The Official Response: Police Investigation Exposed the Allegations
The Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) took the allegation extremely seriously and immediately launched an investigation. The police released a press statement detailing the findings of their probe, which significantly undermined McKay’s claims.
The investigation confirmed the following points about “Miss McKay”:
- She Was Not Kidnapped: Investigation indicated the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where she was staying with two companions.
- Immediate Departure: She checked out of the hotel and left Ghana on the same day the video was made.
- Refusal to Cooperate: After police contacted her to assist, she indicated she was out of the country. She stated she could not provide names of the alleged officers or the vehicle number plate.
- Blocking Investigators: She refused to provide contact details for her friend (who “does not want to be involved”) and subsequently deleted the video and blocked investigators.
The Ghana Police stated they remain committed to uncovering the facts and are pursuing her cooperation through appropriate diplomatic channels.
Is This Sabotage? The ‘Detty December’ War
The controversy is occurring at a pivotal time, leading many to suspect the claims are part of a deliberate campaign to hurt Ghana’s booming tourism brand.
The host of the video, along with other online commentators, pointed to McKay’s own earlier posts where she admitted her entire trip—flight, accommodation, and transportation—was “completely paid for trip just to make content”. The narrator argued that Ghana is a very safe country, with a police presence ensuring safety, and that the bizarre nature of the claims (masked officers, covered license plates, kidnapping for $400) makes no sense.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) also quickly issued a statement assuring international visitors that “Ghana remains a safe and trusted destination”.
A Balanced Look at Safety in Ghana
While the viral police kidnapping claim appears unfounded based on the victim’s refusal to cooperate, it is important for travelers to be aware of legitimate risks common during the festive season:
- Increased Security: The Ghana Police Service suspends all leave ahead of “Detty December” for Operation Disaster Free Christmas, mounting a major security operation to safeguard lives and property.
- Financial Scams: The festive season sees a surge in financial fraud, with the Bank of Ghana noting December as a period of elevated risk. Tourists from the US and UK have also been accused of running chargeback scams against local businesses after returning home.
- Petty Crime: Like any major city, some areas of Accra experience petty crime like phone snatching in traffic, especially when windows are down.
The bottom line for any visitor to Ghana is to remain vigilant, support local businesses, and be cautious with cash and digital transactions during the bustling season.
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