Omanghana
The Central East Regional Police Command has announced the arrest of six women in connection with an alleged child trafficking syndicate operating between Ghana’s Central and Ashanti regions. The operation also led to the rescue of three children, including a 10-month-old infant who police say had allegedly been sold for GH¢35,000.
According to investigators, the arrests followed weeks of investigations led by the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit at the Kasoa Divisional Command.
The suspects were identified as Grace Osei Afriyie, aged 71, who has been granted bail, while Regina Agyeiwaa, Janet Larbie, Mary Dotsey, Yvonne Twumasi, and Seikena Umar have all been remanded into custody pending further investigations.
Police said the case began on April 10, 2026, after a report was filed at the Kasoa Divisional DOVVSU concerning the disappearance of a seven-year-old girl identified as Kadija Karim.
Investigators revealed that the child was found the following day and later disclosed that she had allegedly been lured away by Janet Larbie and Seikena Umar under the pretense of being taken to see her biological mother. Instead, she was reportedly held at an undisclosed location before eventually being returned and warned not to speak about the incident.
Further investigations into the suspected trafficking network led police to the Ashanti Region, where officers rescued a 10-month-old infant on April 28, 2026. Authorities allege the baby had been sold for GH¢35,000 through the trafficking syndicate. The child has since been reunited with her parents.
The police command praised the efforts of the Kasoa Divisional DOVVSU for their diligence and professionalism throughout the investigation. Authorities say operations are continuing to identify and arrest other suspected accomplices believed to still be at large.
Source: Omanghana
