• Police pose as buyers to trap man accused of putting his toddler up for sale
• Economic hardship blamed as father allegedly drags own child into human trafficking plot
In an incident that has rocked the community of Akwatia and stirred nationwide concern, a middle-aged Ghanaian man has been arrested for allegedly attempting to sell his own three-year-old son for an astonishing GH¢1 million. The arrest, which occurred under dramatic circumstances, highlights disturbing social undercurrents related to economic distress, child protection gaps, and the urgent need for stronger community vigilance against human trafficking.
The suspect, identified as Coffie Agyemang, resides in the farming community of Kwamang in the Eastern Region. According to official reports, police from the Akwatia Police Command acted on credible intelligence that Agyemang had hatched a plan to traffic his child. The source of that intelligence reportedly came through a discussion Agyemang had with an associate, who then alerted authorities.
Once the police were notified of the alleged plan, they immediately initiated a carefully coordinated undercover operation. Officers posed as potential buyers interested in the illicit transaction. Over a period of communication, the suspect is alleged to have agreed to sell his young son for one million Ghana cedis. When Agyemang arrived at the predetermined meeting point, accompanied by his three-year-old child, law enforcement moved in and placed him in custody.
The child was swiftly taken into protective care following the arrest. According to law enforcement sources, the immediate priority was to ensure the safety and well-being of the minor, who understandably may face psychological and emotional consequences from such an ordeal. As investigations continue, the police have affirmed that they are probing whether other individuals may have been involved in planning or facilitating the alleged attempt.
Community response to the news has been one of shock, disbelief, and profound concern. Residents in and around Akwatia have expressed dismay that a parent could entertain such a decision. Many observers see this incident not as an isolated aberration, but as a reflection of deeper systemic challenges facing vulnerable households, including rising economic hardship, insufficient social support systems, and gaps in child advocacy infrastructure that leave at-risk children exposed.
Human trafficking — particularly the attempted sale or exploitation of children — remains a serious issue across regions of West Africa and beyond. In recent years, law enforcement in various jurisdictions, including Ghana, has cracked down on similar activities. Previous cases have seen suspects arrested for attempting to sell their children due to financial pressures or other motives, sometimes resulting in severe legal consequences including lengthy prison sentences.
For example, in a notable case in the Western Region, a father was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of attempting to sell his son — a severe punishment that underscores how Ghanaian courts treat such offenses under the Human Trafficking Act.
Back in Akwatia, the police have indicated that once the investigation is completed, Agyemang will be formally charged and arraigned in court to face counts connected to child trafficking and other related offenses. Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of children, urging members of the public to report any suspicious activity that might endanger vulnerable persons.
This incident acts as a stark reminder of the critical importance of community vigilance, robust child protection policies, and socio-economic support for families under strain. It also raises vital questions about how societal norms, economic pressures, and enforcement mechanisms intersect in situations where the most vulnerable are imperiled.
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