Kasoa: The Central East Regional Police Command has successfully dismantled a child trafficking ring in Kasoa, leading to the arrest of six women involved in the illicit operation.
According to Ghana Web, a statement by DSP Victor Kofi Dosoo identified the suspects as Grace Osei Afriyie, 71; Regina Agyeiwaa, 57; Janet Larbie, 40; Mary Dotsey, 38; Yvonne Twumasi, 32; and Seikena Umar, 32. The statement revealed that the Kasoa Divisional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) received a complaint on April 10, 2026, about a missing 7-year-old girl, Kadija Karim, reported by her aunt, who is now a key witness in the case.
The child had disappeared while playing in her neighborhood but was found the following day, on April 11, 2026. Upon questioning, Kadija allegedly stated that she had been lured by Janet Larbie and Seikena Umar under the guise of taking her to her biological mother but was instead left with an unidentified woman. The suspects later returned her to Kasoa in a taxi, instructing her not to disclose the incident to anyone.
Following Janet Larbie's arrest, authorities apprehended Mary Dotsey, Yvonne Twumasi, and Seikena Umar for their involvement. The statement also highlighted that Lucinda Naomi Otchere, believed to be the leader and financier of the syndicate, along with individuals identified as Adjeiwaa and Hawa, are currently being pursued by the police.
Investigations have further linked the suspects to another case where a complainant was allegedly tricked into releasing her two children, aged 10 months and five years, under the false promise of providing care. The 10-month-old was reportedly taken to Asuofua Mampong in the Ashanti Region and sold to Grace Osei Afriyie and Regina Agyeiwaa for GHS35,000. An intelligence-led operation on April 28, 2026, resulted in the arrest of the suspects in Asokore Mampong and Suame, and the baby was subsequently rescued and reunited with its parents.
The statement noted that Janet Larbie, Mary Dotsey, Yvonne Twumasi, and Seikena Umar have been remanded by the Ofaakor Circuit Court. Grace Osei Afriyie was granted bail, while Regina Agyeiwaa remains on remand by order of the Akweley Magistrate Court. The Regional Command emphasized that efforts are ongoing to apprehend all remaining accomplices and assured the public that all individuals connected to the crime will face the full extent of the law.