The Central East Regional Police Command has arrested six women suspected of involvement in a child trafficking syndicate and rescued a 10-month-old baby during investigations into the disappearance of a seven-year-old girl in Kasoa.
In a statement signed by Head of Public Affairs, DSP Victor Kofi Dosoo, police identified the suspects as Grace Osei Afriyie, Regina Agyeiwaa, Janet Larbie, Mary Dotsey, Yvonne Twumasi, and Seikena Umar.
According to police, the Kasoa Divisional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) received a report on April 10, concerning the disappearance of seven-year-old Kadija Karim, who went missing while playing in her neighbourhood.
Investigators later found the child on April 11. She reportedly told police that Janet Larbie and Seikena Umar had convinced her they were taking her to see her biological mother, but instead transported her to an unknown location and left her with another woman.
Police said the suspects later returned the girl to Kasoa in a taxi and warned her not to speak about the incident.
Further investigations led to the arrest of additional suspects allegedly connected to the operation. Police also named Lucinda Naomi Otchere, believed to be the syndicate’s leader and financier, along with two other suspects identified only as Adjeiwaa and Hawa, as persons currently being pursued.
Authorities say the investigation uncovered another case involving two children aged 10 months and five years, whose parent was allegedly deceived into handing them over for care.
Police revealed that the infant was allegedly taken to Asuofua Mampong in the Ashanti Region and sold for GH¢35,000 to two of the suspects.
An intelligence-led operation later led to the rescue of the baby in the Ashanti Region, and the child has since been reunited with the family.
Four suspects — Janet Larbie, Mary Dotsey, Yvonne Twumasi, and Seikena Umar — have been remanded by the Ofaakor Circuit Court. Regina Agyeiwaa also remains on remand, while Grace Osei Afriyie has been granted bail.
Police say investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to arrest all remaining accomplices connected to the trafficking network.
