Kasoa, Ghana – 8th May 2026 – The Central East Regional Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with a child trafficking syndicate, successfully rescuing three victims, including a 10-month-old infant.
The suspects arrested are Grace Osei Afriyie (71), Regina Agyeiwaa (57), Janet Larbie (40), Mary Dotsey (38), Yvonne Twumasi (32), and Seikena Umar (32). The arrests followed a report of a missing 7-year-old girl, Kadija Karim, who had gone missing while playing in her neighborhood in Kasoa.
Police investigations revealed that the child was lured by Janet Larbie and Seikena Umar under the pretext of visiting her biological mother but was instead taken to an unknown location. The victim was later returned to Kasoa on 11th April 2026 and warned not to disclose the incident.
Further investigations led to the arrests of Mary Dotsey, Yvonne Twumasi, and Seikena Umar. The syndicate was reportedly led and financed by Lucinda Naomi Otchere, with other suspects, Adjeiwaa and Hawa, still at large.
The police also linked the suspects to an earlier case involving the trafficking of a 10-month-old and a 5-year-old child. The infants were transported to Asuofua Mampong in the Ashanti Region and sold to Grace Osei Afriyie and Regina Agyeiwaa for GHC 35,000. The 10-month-old infant was rescued on 28th April 2026 and reunited with their parents.
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 under the Akwelley Magistrate Court. Police continue efforts to apprehend all remaining accomplices.
The Central East Regional Police Command has assured the public that all accomplices will face the full rigours of the law.
