The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent directive for the immediate strengthening of security protocols across all health facilities in Ghana, following the shocking theft of a newborn baby at the Mamprobi Polyclinic in Accra.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the Ministry commended what it described as a swift and coordinated response to the incident, particularly praising the Ghana Police Service, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the whistleblower whose alert led to the baby’s safe recovery.
“The Ministry of Health wishes to commend the swift and coordinated response of the Ghana Police Service, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and other key stakeholders, especially the whistleblower, following the recent baby theft incident at the Mamprobi Polyclinic,” the statement signed by Isaac Ofei Baah, Head of Public Relations, read.
Suspect in custody, baby reunited with mother
The directive follows the dramatic arrest of 33-year-old Latifa Salifu, who was taken into custody at approximately 3:40 am on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. The suspect was found with a baby believed to be the four-day-old infant allegedly stolen from the Mamprobi facility’s postnatal ward.
The child has since been joyfully reunited with his mother after being positively identified through a distinctive birthmark. Medical officials have since placed the baby under observation and safekeeping at an undisclosed health facility. The suspect remains in police custody and is being processed for court appearance.
Zero tolerance for security lapses
In response to the incident, the Health Minister has ordered immediate and visible action across the nation’s health institutions.
“In light of the incident, the Hon. Minister for Health has directed the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service to ensure the immediate enforcement of strict day and night security measures across all health facilities nationwide,” the Ministry stated. “Health facility administrators are required to review and strengthen their internal security protocols without delay.”
The Ministry further reinforced an earlier government directive mandating comprehensive CCTV surveillance coverage in all health facilities.
“The Minister has reiterated the government’s earlier directive requiring all health facilities across the country to ensure the installation and proper functioning of CCTV surveillance systems,” the statement added.
Vulnerable units under scrutiny
The development signals a renewed crackdown on security vulnerabilities in public health institutions, particularly maternity and postnatal units, which officials acknowledge are often congested and susceptible to security breaches, including impersonation by unauthorised persons.
Reassuring the public, the Ministry emphasised: “The Ministry reassures the general public that the Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding patients and ensuring accountability within the health sector.”
Authorities have called for calm as investigations continue into the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Ministry of Health calls for calm while the investigation is ongoing,” the statement concluded.
The incident has sparked widespread public concern and renewed debate about patient safety and security standards in Ghana’s public health facilities.
