News has emerged from the Central Region of Ghana that has sent shockwaves through communities far and wide. A 40â year‑old woman identified as Rebecca Ofori has been arrested for allegedly stealing an 11‑month‑old baby girl at the bustling Ajumako Market. According to reports, she was captured on CCTV footage carrying the baby away, leading to a widespread search that eventually ended in her arrest by the Ajumako District Police Command with assistance from officers in Tarkwa Benso in the Western Region.
This incident, which occurred in the early hours of a busy market day, has sparked intense conversations on security, parental vigilance, and the role of technology in crime prevention.
How the Incident Happened
Eyewitnesses say the mother of the baby had gone to the Ajumako Market to trade, as she does on most market days. The market, known for its vibrant trading activities, was crowded, with traders and buyers moving about. Like many mothers juggling commerce and childcare, she had her baby with her at the stall.
At some point, she became engaged with a customer, and in those few moments, the suspect allegedly approached the stall. The woman, described by some witnesses as calm and well‑dressed in a green and yellow patterned dress, reportedly showed interest in buying some goods. In the midst of that distraction, she allegedly carried the baby and walked away swiftly through one of the side exits.
Unbeknownst to her, CCTV cameras recently installed by market authorities as part of a security enhancement initiative captured her movements. The footage, which was quickly reviewed when the mother raised an alarm about her missing child, showed the woman leaving with the baby.
The Immediate Response
The mother’s cries drew the attention of fellow traders and market security personnel. Within minutes, news of the missing baby spread throughout Ajumako township. The market authorities immediately notified the Ajumako District Police Command, who acted swiftly by:
1. Reviewing the CCTV footage to identify the suspect.
2. Alerting checkpoints and police stations in surrounding towns and regions.
3. Sharing descriptions of the suspect with transport operators and commercial drivers.
The description of a woman in her forties wearing a bright traditional outfit carrying a baby girl was quickly circulated.
The Arrest in Tarkwa Benso
For hours, there was tension and anxiety among the baby’s family and the market community. Fortunately, by evening, information reached the police that a woman fitting the description had been spotted at Tarkwa Benso in the Western Region, several kilometers away from Ajumako. Police officers coordinated with their counterparts in Tarkwa and mounted surveillance.
She was intercepted while attempting to board another vehicle. The baby was found in her arms, alive and unharmed, though visibly distressed. She was immediately taken into custody and later transferred to Ajumako District Police Command for interrogation and further investigation.
Profile of the Suspect
Preliminary police investigations identified the suspect as Rebecca Ofori, a 40‑year‑old woman with no fixed trading post in the market. Some witnesses claim they had seen her wandering around markets in both the Central and Western regions on previous occasions, though no criminal record had been linked to her until now.
What has puzzled many is her motive. Was she acting alone? Was she part of a larger syndicate involved in child trafficking? Or did she intend to raise the child as her own? These questions are central to the ongoing investigations.
Reactions from the Community
The news of the arrest has brought a mixture of relief and outrage.
• The baby’s family: They expressed gratitude to the police, market authorities, and the general public who helped share information quickly. The mother reportedly broke down in tears upon being reunited with her child.
• Market women and traders: Many traders at Ajumako Market have been left shaken. “We thought this could never happen here,†one of them said. “We all know each other in this market, but now we have to be extra careful.â€
• Local leaders: Community leaders have praised the effectiveness of the CCTV surveillance but have also called for more public education on child safety. They are advocating for regular announcements in markets reminding parents not to leave their children unattended, even for a moment.
The Role of CCTV in Solving the Case
One of the most striking elements of this story is how technology played a crucial role. The installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in the market was initially part of a broader initiative to curb theft and track suspicious activities. Until now, many traders saw them as unnecessary or intrusive. However, this incident has dramatically changed perceptions:
• Rapid identification: The suspect’s outfit and face were captured clearly, allowing for quick circulation of her image.
• Evidence for prosecution: The footage will serve as a vital piece of evidence if the case goes to court.
• Enhanced community trust: Traders and buyers are now more confident that security measures are effective.
Local authorities are already considering expanding CCTV coverage to other public areas, such as lorry parks and schools.
Legal Process and Next Steps
After her arrest, Rebecca Ofori was formally charged with child stealing, an offense under Ghana’s criminal code that carries severe penalties. The police have stated that investigations are ongoing to determine whether she acted alone or is part of a network.
Key steps in the legal process will include:
1. Interrogation and Statements: Police will question her about her motives, accomplices, and prior activities.
2. Background Checks: Investigators will look into her history and movements.
3. Court Proceedings: She will be arraigned before a court to answer to the charges. If found guilty, she could face a long-term prison sentence.
Wider Implications
This case serves as a cautionary tale and raises broader issues that communities must consider:
• Parental Vigilance: Markets and public gatherings can be chaotic, making it essential for parents to keep their children within sight at all times.
• Security Infrastructure: The importance of surveillance systems and trained personnel cannot be overstated. More markets and public spaces may now invest in similar measures.
• Community Watchfulness: Residents are reminded that reporting suspicious behavior can save lives. The quick relay of information in this case was key to the baby’s recovery.
Human Interest and Emotional Aftermath
Beyond the legal and procedural aspects, this incident touches deep emotional chords. The thought of a baby being stolen is every parent’s nightmare. For the mother, those hours of uncertainty felt like an eternity. For the traders who witnessed the chaos, it was a reminder of how vulnerable children can be in public spaces.
Community members gathered at the police station when news of the arrest broke, some singing songs of relief, others simply wanting to catch a glimpse of the rescued child. The baby, though too young to understand what happened, is now back in the arms of her mother, surrounded by love and protection.
Conclusion
The case of the 40‑year‑old woman arrested for allegedly stealing an 11‑month‑old baby at Ajumako Market is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, the effectiveness of modern security systems, and the power of community cooperation. While the legal process unfolds, the immediate priority remains the well-being of the child and the reassurance of a community shaken by this event.
Authorities continue to urge the public: remain alert, protect your loved ones, and report anything unusual. Through collective effort, such incidents can be prevented in the future.
If you’d like, I can also draft a follow‑up article, a social media post summarizing this for awareness campaigns, or even create a flyer on child safety tips. Let me know!
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