The Central East Regional Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with a child trafficking syndicate and rescued three victims, including a 10-month-old infant, following the report of a missing child at Kasoa in the Central Region.
The suspects have been identified as Grace Osei Afriyie, 71, Regina Agyeiwaa, 57, Janet Larbie, 40, Mary Dotsey, 38, Yvonne Twumasi, 32, and Seikena Umar, 32.
According to a press release from the Regional Police Public Affairs Unit, the case began on April 10, 2026, when the Kasoa Divisional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) received a complaint about the disappearance of a 7-year-old girl, Kadija Karim. The report was made by the child’s aunt, who said the girl went missing while playing in the neighbourhood.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was later found on April 11, 2026. During questioning, she allegedly stated that Janet Larbie and Seikena Umar lured her under the pretence of taking her to her biological mother, but instead took her to an unknown location where she was left with an unidentified woman.
The girl was later returned to Kasoa on April 11, 2026, by taxi, after being warned not to speak about her experience.
Following this information, police arrested Janet Larbie. Further investigations led to the arrest of Mary Dotsey, Yvonne Twumasi, and Seikena Umar for their alleged involvement.
Police say the syndicate was allegedly led and financed by Lucinda Naomi Otchere, who is currently on the run together with Adjeiwaa and Hawa.
Investigators also linked the suspects to a separate child theft case in which a complainant’s two children, aged 10 months and five years, were allegedly taken under the guise of caregiving. The 10-month-old infant was reportedly transported to Asuofua Mampong in the Ashanti Region and sold for GH¢35,000 to Grace Osei Afriyie and Regina Agyeiwaa.
On April 28, 2026, police arrested the two suspects in possession of the trafficked infant at Asokore Mampong and Suame in the Ashanti Region. The child has since been rescued and reunited with her parents.
Four suspects, 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 Central East Regional Police Command says efforts are ongoing to arrest all remaining suspects involved in the trafficking network.
The Command has commended the Kasoa Divisional DOVVSU for their role in the arrests and assured the public that all accomplices will be brought to justice.
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