Police Arrest Six Over Child Trafficking Syndicate in Kasoa, Rescue Infant Sold for GH¢35,000
The Central East Regional Police Command has arrested six suspects believed to be part of a child trafficking syndicate operating in Kasoa in the Central Region, leading to the rescue of three victims, including a 10-month-old infant reportedly sold for GH¢35,000.
The suspects have been identified as Grace Osei Afriyie, Regina Agyeiwaa, Janet Larbie, Mary Dotsey, Yvonne Twumasi, and Seikena Umar.
Police say investigations began after a complaint was lodged on April 10, 2026, by the aunt of a seven-year-old girl identified as Kadija Karim, who had gone missing while playing near her home in Kasoa.
According to police investigations, the child was later found and disclosed that two of the suspects, Janet Larbie and Seikena Umar, allegedly lured her with the promise of taking her to meet her biological mother.
Instead, she was reportedly taken to an unknown location and left with another woman before being returned to Kasoa the following day in a taxi. She was allegedly warned not to speak about the incident.
Following the child’s statement, police arrested Janet Larbie, and further investigations led to the arrest of Mary Dotsey, Yvonne Twumasi, and Seikena Umar for their alleged involvement in the trafficking operation.
Authorities say the syndicate was allegedly financed and led by a woman identified as Lucinda Naomi Otchere, who is currently on the run together with two other accomplices identified only as Adjeiwaa and Hawa.
Police investigations later uncovered another disturbing case linked to the same network. According to authorities, a complainant was deceived into handing over her two children, aged five years and 10 months, under the pretext that they would be cared for.
The 10-month-old baby was allegedly transported to Asuofua Mampong in the Ashanti Region and sold to Grace Osei Afriyie and Regina Agyeiwaa for GH¢35,000.
Acting on intelligence, police conducted operations on April 28, leading to the arrest of Grace Osei Afriyie and Regina Agyeiwaa at Asokore Mampong and Suame in the Ashanti Region. The trafficked infant was successfully rescued and has since been reunited with the parents.
The Ofaakor Circuit Court has remanded Janet Larbie, Mary Dotsey, Yvonne Twumasi, and Seikena Umar into custody, while Grace Osei Afriyie has been granted bail. Regina Agyeiwaa remains on remand by order of the Akweley Magistrate Court.
The Regional Police Command has assured the public that efforts are ongoing to arrest all remaining suspects connected to the trafficking syndicate. Police also commended the Kasoa Divisional DOVVSU for their role in uncovering the criminal network and rescuing the victims.