The Central East Regional Police Command has arrested six women in connection with an alleged child trafficking syndicate operating in Kasoa and parts of the Ashanti Region.

The operation led to the rescue of a 10-month-old baby believed to have been trafficked after the reported disappearance of a seven-year-old girl in Kasoa in the Central Region.

In a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Victor Kofi Dosoo, police identified the suspects as Grace Osei Afriyie, 71, Regina Agyeiwaa, 57, Janet Larbie, 40, Mary Dotsey, 38, Yvonne Twumasi, 32, and Seikena Umar, 32.

According to police, the Kasoa Divisional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) received a missing person complaint on April 10 concerning seven-year-old Kadija Karim after she reportedly disappeared while playing within her neighbourhood.

Investigators later traced and found the child on April 11. Preliminary investigations revealed that two suspects, Janet Larbie and Seikena Umar, allegedly lured the girl under the pretext of taking her to meet her biological mother.

Police said the child was instead transported to an unknown location and left in the custody of an unidentified woman before being returned to Kasoa in a taxi the following day. The suspects allegedly warned the victim not to disclose the incident to anyone.

The development triggered further investigations, leading to the arrest of Janet Larbie and three other suspects — Mary Dotsey, Yvonne Twumasi and Seikena Umar for their alleged involvement in the trafficking operation.

Police further disclosed that a woman identified as Lucinda Naomi Otchere, believed to be the alleged financier and leader of the syndicate, remains on the run alongside two other accomplices identified only as Adjeiwaa and Hawa.

Investigations also linked the suspects to another child theft case involving two children aged 10 months and five years.

According to the police statement, the victims’ mother was allegedly deceived into handing over the children under the guise of temporary care arrangements.

Authorities said the 10-month-old infant was transported to Asuofua Mampong in the Ashanti Region and allegedly sold to Grace Osei Afriyie and Regina Agyeiwaa for GH¢35,000.

An intelligence-led police operation on April 28 resulted in the arrest of the two suspects at Asokore Mampong and Suame, leading to the successful rescue of the infant, who has since been reunited with the parents.

The police said Janet Larbie, Mary Dotsey, Yvonne Twumasi and Seikena Umar have been remanded by the Ofaakor Circuit Court, while Regina Agyeiwaa remains on remand by order of the Akweley Magistrate Court. Grace Osei Afriyie has reportedly been granted bail.

The Central East Regional Police Command says efforts are ongoing to arrest all remaining suspects connected to the alleged trafficking syndicate.

Police also commended the professionalism of the Kasoa Divisional DOVVSU team and assured the public that all individuals linked to the case will be brought to justice.