Police in the Volta Region have launched investigations into the suspected abduction of an eight-month-old baby boy at the Kpando Market following an incident that has left traders and residents deeply concerned.

The alleged abduction is reported to have occurred on Thursday, 16 July 2026, between 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., when an unidentified woman is said to have approached a young woman selling groundnuts with her infant strapped to her back.

According to information gathered, the suspect expressed interest in purchasing four large tins of groundnuts and engaged the trader in conversation while the transaction was underway.

The woman, who has been described as fair-complexioned and believed to be in her mid-thirties, was reportedly dressed in an orange top and black trousers at the time of the incident.

Reports indicate that the suspect volunteered to carry the baby while the mother served the order. Trusting the woman, the trader allegedly handed over her child and continued attending to the customer.

The mother later realised that the remaining quantity of groundnuts required to complete the order was not immediately available at her stall and briefly left to collect additional stock.

However, when she returned moments later, both the woman and her eight-month-old son had disappeared.

The distraught mother immediately raised the alarm, prompting family members, fellow traders and other members of the public to join in a search for the child. Despite their efforts, neither the baby nor the suspected abductor could be found.

The incident was subsequently reported to the Kpando District Police Station, where investigations have since commenced.

Preliminary police enquiries suggest that the same woman may have attempted a similar approach with another trader earlier that day at the market.

According to police sources, the woman allegedly asked another trader if she could hold her child while she withdrew money on the trader's behalf. The trader reportedly declined the request and instead directed the woman to nearby Mobile Money operators within the market, preventing any further interaction.

Investigators are examining whether the two incidents are connected as part of efforts to establish the suspect's movements before the alleged abduction.

Police have appealed to members of the public who may have seen the woman or have any information that could assist in locating the missing child to come forward.

Anyone with relevant information is urged to report to the nearest police station or contact the Kpando District Police Station to assist with ongoing investigations.