The Ghana Police Service has rescued two children involved in a child trafficking case. Police also arrested an additional suspect who allegedly made payments totalling GHS 55,000. Officers continue to search for a missing five-year-old girl.
The latest suspect, Lucinda Naomi Otchere, works as a midwife at Trust Mother and Child Hospital in Osu. Police arrested her for her alleged role in the trafficking syndicate. Preliminary investigations show she allegedly paid GHS 20,000 for a seven-year-old girl. She then allegedly paid another GHS 35,000 for a five-year-old girl.
This case is part of a larger, persistent problem of human trafficking inGhana. The illicit trade preys on vulnerable families needing financial relief. The value of payments, GHS 55,000, indicates a significant black market for child exploitation. Such criminal activities undermine social stability and economic development by exploiting human capital. It also diverts potential productive members of society.
Commissioner of Police Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), confirmed the arrests. She stated that intelligence suggests this syndicate has engaged in child trafficking for a considerable period. This indicates a well-organised criminal network operating within Ghana. The police appeal to the public for information on the missing child and other suspects.
The ongoing police investigation and arrests will likely intensify efforts to dismantle child trafficking networks. This includes raising public awareness about reporting suspicious activities. The focus will be on rescuing more victims and prosecuting those involved. Stronger enforcement will deter future criminal enterprises built on human suffering. It also aims to restore public trust in child protection measures. The outcome will show the effectiveness of Ghana's legal framework against human trafficking.
Earlier police operations led to the arrest of six other suspects. These arrests occurred in connection with child trafficking and child stealing offenses. Investigations started after a complaint on April 10, 2026, about a missing seven-year-old girl in Kasoa. That girl was later rescued. Another 10-month-old infant, sold for GHS 35,000 in the Ashanti Region, has also been reunited with family. Five suspects remain on remand as police continue their work.
The Ghana Police Service urges anyone with information on the missing five-year-old girl to contact their nearest police station. Emergency numbers 191 or 112 are also available. This collaborative effort helps to combat child trafficking effectively. It also protects the most vulnerable members of society. Increased vigilance from communities is vital in these cases.
The total payments made in this case, GHS 55,000, highlight the financial incentives driving child trafficking. This creates a significant black market economy. Law enforcement must continue to target these financial flows. Dismantling the economic structures of trafficking will weaken these criminal operations. This case shows the challenges in protecting children from such exploitative practices.