Six arrested as police dismantle child trafficking ring in Kasoa

The Central East Regional Police Command has arrested six women involved in a child trafficking syndicate in Kasoa.

According to a statement by DSP Victor Kofi Dosoo, the suspects were identified as ; Grace Osei Afriyie, 71; Regina Agyeiwaa, 57; Janet Larbie, 40; Mary Dotsey, 38; Yvonne Twumasi, 32; and Seikena Umar, 32.

The statement indicated that on April 10, 2026, "the Kasoa Divisional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) received a complaint about the missing 7-year-old Kadija Karim, lodged by her aunt, who is now a witness in the case."

The report indicated that the child had gone missing while playing in her neighborhood, but was found on April 11, 2026.

Police reported that upon questioning, "Kadija allegedly indicated that Janet Larbie and Seikena Umar had lured her under the pretext of taking her to her biological mother, but instead left her with an unidentified woman."

The suspects later returned the child to Kasoa on April 11, 2026, in a taxi and warned her not to disclose the ordeal to anyone.

Following Janet Larbie’s arrest, police arrested Mary Dotsey, Yvonne Twumasi, and Seikena Umar for their involvement.

"Lucinda Naomi Otchere, identified as the leader and financier of the syndicate, along with Adjeiwaa and Hawa, are currently being sought by the police," the statement further stated.

Investigations have linked the suspects to another case in which a complainant was allegedly deceived into releasing her two children, aged 10 months and five years, under the pretexte of providing care.

The statement explained that, "The 10-month-old infant was taken to Asuofua Mampong in the Ashanti Region and sold to Grace Osei Afriyie and Regina Agyeiwaa for GH¢35,000."

Intelligence-led operations on April 28, 2026, resulted in their arrest in Asokore Mampong and Suame, and the baby was rescued and reunited with its parents.

The statement added that, "Janet Larbie, Mary Dotsey, Yvonne Twumasi, and Seikena Umar have been remanded by the Ofaakor Circuit Court. Grace Osei Afriyie has been granted bail, while Regina Agyeiwaa remains on remand by order of the Akweley Magistrate Court."

The Regional Command stated that frantic efforts are ongoing to apprehend all remaining accomplices and assured the public that all individuals connected to the crime will be tracked down and made to face the full rigors of the law.

NAD/VPO

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