A four-day-old baby boy was recently stolen from the Mamprobi Polyclinic in Accra on Tuesday, February 18, prompting a swift and coordinated response from various government agencies and stakeholders. The infant was safely recovered, and a female suspect, Latifa Salifu, has been arrested and is currently assisting with investigations.

Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, revealed that the suspect may have acted out of desperation to have a child, taking advantage of a “convenient environment.” While condemning the act, Dr. Lartey emphasized the suspect's own need for support due to the trauma she has experienced, stating that efforts would be made to help her recover and address her desperation. She also highlighted the government's commitment, under President John Dramani Mahama, to provide medical care and psychosocial support for all affected parties, including the mother, the baby, and the suspect.

Upon recovery, the baby's fragile condition became apparent, as he was running a temperature and his umbilical cord had not completely come off. Medical experts were promptly brought in to attend to the newborn. The baby’s mother, who had undergone a caesarean section, was also experiencing feverish symptoms, which were exacerbated by stress and poor eating since the child's abduction. Medical teams have since been deployed to ensure comprehensive care for both the mother and child. President John Dramani Mahama has personally committed to covering all medical expenses, including the cost of psychosocial support for the mother, child, and the suspect.

The Ministry of Health extended its commendation to the Ghana Police Service, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and particularly the whistle-blower, for their swift and effective response. The incident, which occurred in the Ablekuma South constituency, sparked widespread public concern. In response, the Minister for Health has directed the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service to implement immediate and stringent security measures across all health facilities nationwide. These measures include reviewing and strengthening internal security protocols and ensuring the installation and proper functioning of CCTV surveillance systems, to be enforced day and night.

Minister Agnes Naa Momo Lartey reiterated her Ministry's commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Health to reinforce security systems and structures within health facilities to safeguard patients and health workers. The government remains firmly committed to ensuring patient safety and accountability within the healthcare sector and has called for calm while investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of how the suspect gained access to the child.