By Augustine Ehikioya
Police Operatives in Takoradi, Western Region of Ghana have arrested three suspects on possible kidnapping conspiracy involving a missing “pregnant woman”, who suddenly reappeared in public.
The woman, Josephine Panyin Mensah, is believed to have connived with the suspects to fake her kidnapping.
Over 40 Police officers were said to have been assigned to track her whereabouts since she was declared missing.
A statement obtained by Security Watch Africa (SWA) on Friday, issued by the Ag. Director-General, Ghana Public Affairs, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kwesi Ofori, said “The Police in Takoradi in the Western Region can confirm the reappearance of one Josephine Panyin Mensah.
“On 21st September, 2021 at about 0930hours when she reappeared, she was immediately sent to the Axim Government Hospital for medical attention. We also informed the family in line with our procedures.
“Since her disappearance, over 40 Police officers were specifically assigned to track the whereabouts of the victim and the family were given regular updates on Police operations regarding this issue.
“These Police operations with the associated investigations were carried out on a 24-hour basis and we want to commend the officers who have been working on the case for their commitment, including the sleepless nights they endured,” he said.
He went on “Following her reappearance and on the basis of our preliminary investigations so far, the Police wishes to state the following:
“The police is heavily relying on medical experts who have examined her. Their findings are that Josephine Panyin Mensah was never pregnant within the period under review following thorough medical examination by the medical doctors at the Axim Government Hospital.
“The victim, now a suspect, during interrogation mentioned the European Hospital in Takoradi as the hospital for her antenatal reviews and assessment. Medical records at the facility suggest that the lady visited the hospital without pregnancy somewhere in October last year.
“Investigations also suggest the suspect may have conspired with other persons over her possible planned disappearance.
“Three people have so far been arrested for further questioning on possible conspiracy charges,” he added.
He said that the Police would like to inform members of the public that adequate measures are in place to ensure “she is safe as we continue our investigations.”
According to him, “More worrying is the fact that for a number of years, the Regional Command has recorded several false kidnapping cases where people conspire to create “self kidnapping” incidents to make money out of ransoms.”
He said that a team, with support from the National Headquarters, has been put together “to quell this emerging crime in the Western Region.”
“We wish to give the assurance that we will continue to revise our security strategies to protect the people of the Western Region and the rest of the country,” he said.