By Ashiadey Dotse
The Central East Regional Police Command has arrested six women in connection with a child trafficking syndicate and rescued a 10-month-old baby in separate operations linked to child theft cases in Kasoa and the Ashanti Region.
The suspects are Grace Osei Afriyie, Regina Agyeiwaa, Janet Larbie, Mary Dotsey, Yvonne Twumasi, and Seikena Umar.
According to a police statement signed by Head of Public Affairs, DSP Victor Kofi Dosoo, the Kasoa Divisional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit received a report on April 10 about a missing seven-year-old girl, identified as Kadija Karim.
Police said the child disappeared while playing near her home in Kasoa.
Investigations later revealed that the girl was found on April 11 and told investigators that Janet Larbie and Seikena Umar allegedly lured her with the promise of taking her to see her biological mother.
She was reportedly taken to an unknown location and left with another woman before being returned to Kasoa in a taxi the following day.
Police said the suspects allegedly warned the child not to speak about the incident.
Following further investigations, police arrested Janet Larbie, Mary Dotsey, Yvonne Twumasi, and Seikena Umar for their alleged roles in the operation.
Police also named Lucinda Naomi Otchere as the alleged leader and financier of the syndicate. Two other suspects, identified as Adjeiwaa and Hawa, are currently being pursued by investigators.
Authorities said investigations linked the suspects to another case involving two children aged 10 months and five years, who were allegedly taken from their mother under the pretext of care.
According to police, the 10-month-old infant was transported to Asuofua Mampong in the Ashanti Region and sold to Grace Osei Afriyie and Regina Agyeiwaa for GH¢35,000.
The infant was rescued during intelligence-led operations in Asokore Mampong and Suame on April 28 and has since been reunited with her parents.
Police said 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 the Akweley Magistrate Court.
The police command says efforts are ongoing to arrest all remaining suspects connected to the trafficking syndicate.
