Ghana Health Service Mandates Uniforms and Visible Name Tags for All Public Health Workers Following Mamprobi Baby Theft Incident
In a decisive response to the recent baby theft at Mamprobi Polyclinic, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has introduced a mandatory policy requiring all health workers in public facilities to wear approved uniforms and prominently display visible name tags at all times while on duty.
The directive was announced by Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, during a working visit to the Catholic Hospital at Battor in the Volta Region. Dr. Kaba cited the February 17, 2026 incident—where a woman disguised in a peach-colored nurse’s uniform allegedly abducted a four-day-old baby from the postnatal ward—as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities created by inadequate identification protocols.
“This policy is not just about appearance; it is about security, accountability, and restoring public confidence in our healthcare system,” Dr. Kaba stated. “When patients know your name and you know they know it, you’re likely to act more professionally.”
The new rules apply across all levels of public health facilities—from community clinics and district hospitals to regional and teaching hospitals. Key elements of the directive include:
Mandatory uniforms — All staff must wear GHS-approved attire that clearly identifies them as legitimate healthcare workers.
Visible name tags — Tags must display the staff member’s full name and designation, worn in a prominent position on the uniform.
Branded attire for official duties — Health workers are required to wear GHS-branded clothing during official travel or external engagements to enhance visibility and security.
Dr. Kaba emphasized that the measure aligns with global best practices, where hospitals worldwide enforce strict identification protocols to prevent impersonation, reduce patient anxiety, and foster a safer care environment. He added that proper identification “gives us privilege, protects us, and earns public respect,” urging healthcare professionals to embrace the policy with pride.
The announcement received immediate support from regional leadership. Dr. Atsu Dodor, Volta Regional Director of Health Services, confirmed full compliance across all facilities in the region, describing the policy as a proactive step to safeguard patients and staff alike.
The Mamprobi Polyclinic case, which saw the swift arrest of suspect Latifa Salifu and the safe recovery of the infant, exposed critical gaps in hospital security and staff identification. The incident prompted widespread calls for reforms, including enhanced CCTV monitoring, restricted access to maternity wards, and stricter verification of personnel.
The GHS policy is expected to be rolled out immediately, with monitoring mechanisms to ensure adherence. Non-compliance could result in disciplinary action. Officials believe the changes will not only deter future impersonation attempts but also improve overall service quality by promoting transparency and professionalism.
This initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen patient safety and rebuild trust in Ghana’s public healthcare system following a series of high-profile challenges. The Ghana Health Service has urged the public to report any suspicious behaviour or unidentified individuals in healthcare settings, reinforcing collective responsibility in protecting vulnerable patients, especially mothers and newborns.
