The Central East Regional Police Command has apprehended six individuals suspected of involvement in a child trafficking network, successfully rescuing a 10-month-old infant and investigating the disappearance of a 7-year-old girl in Kasoa. The arrests, confirmed by police statements, mark a significant development in combating child exploitation in the region.
Investigation Uncovers Trafficking Network
The operation began on April 10 when the Kasoa Divisional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) received a report of a missing 7-year-old girl, Kadija Karim, who vanished while playing near her home. Her aunt filed the report, initiating a swift police response.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the child was found on April 11. During questioning, the girl reportedly stated that two suspects, Janet Larbie and Seikena Umar, lured her away with the false promise of taking her to her mother. Instead, she was taken to an undisclosed location and left with an unknown woman.
The child was later returned to Kasoa on April 11 via taxi by the suspects, who allegedly warned her against revealing her experience. Following these disclosures, Janet Larbie was arrested. Subsequent investigations broadened, leading to the apprehension of Mary Dotsey, Yvonne Twumasi, and Seikena Umar for their alleged roles in the incident.
Infant Rescued, More Suspects Sought
The investigation further linked the arrested suspects to a separate child theft case. In this instance, a complainant was allegedly deceived into handing over her two children, aged 10 months and five years, under the guise of providing care. 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.
Acting on intelligence, police conducted operations on April 28, leading to the arrests of Grace Osei Afriyie and Regina Agyeiwaa in the Ashanti Region. The trafficked infant was successfully rescued during these operations and has since been reunited with her parents.
The police statement identified Grace Osei Afriyie, 71; Regina Agyeiwaa, 57; Janet Larbie, 40; Mary Dotsey, 38; Yvonne Twumasi, 32; and Seikena Umar, 32, as the arrested suspects. The statement also indicated that Lucinda Naomi Otchere, identified as the alleged leader and financier of the syndicate, along with accomplices Adjeiwaa and Hawa, are currently wanted by the police.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Efforts
The suspects are facing legal action. 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 in custody following an order from the Akweley Magistrate Court.
The Central East Regional Police Command commended the Kasoa Divisional DOVVSU for their diligence and professionalism. The command assured the public that all remaining accomplices will be apprehended and prosecuted under the full extent of the law.
Implications and Future Watch
This operation highlights the persistent threat of child trafficking and the sophisticated methods employed by criminal syndicates. The successful rescue of the infant and the apprehension of key suspects provide a measure of relief but also underscore the need for continued vigilance from communities and law enforcement. The involvement of older individuals like Grace Osei Afriyie suggests a potentially multi-generational network. The police’s ongoing efforts to locate the remaining suspects, including the alleged leader, will be crucial in dismantling the entire operation. Public awareness campaigns and enhanced community policing strategies may be vital in preventing future incidents and encouraging timely reporting of suspicious activities. The successful prosecution of those arrested will serve as a deterrent and reinforce the commitment to protecting vulnerable children.
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