Government Steps In to Support Family After Swift Recovery of Newborn Stolen from Mamprobi Polyclinic
In a heartening display of governmental compassion and rapid law enforcement action, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has been directed by President John Dramani Mahama to fully cover the medical expenses of a mother and her four-day-old baby boy who were at the center of a distressing abduction incident at Mamprobi Polyclinic in Accra.
The baby was allegedly stolen from the postnatal ward on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, shortly after his mother, Precious Ankomah, delivered him via cesarean section on February 14. According to police reports, a 33-year-old woman identified as Latifa Salifu, a cloth seller, disguised herself in a peach-colored nurse’s uniform and took the infant under the pretext of administering medication before fleeing the facility. CCTV footage of the suspect quickly circulated on social media, generating widespread public outrage and aiding the investigation.
The Dansoman Divisional Police Command launched an immediate manhunt. In the early hours of Wednesday, February 18, officers arrested Salifu at the premises of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where she was found in possession of the baby. The infant, who had developed a fever during the ordeal, was promptly returned to medical care and safely reunited with his relieved mother in an emotional moment witnessed by hospital staff and officials.
Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, visited the family at the facility to personally oversee the reunion. During the visit, she presented assorted items—including baby essentials and support materials—to assist the family in caring for the child. She also announced the President’s directive for her ministry to settle all medical bills for both mother and baby, extending to psychosocial support as needed.
“On behalf of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the three Members of Parliament for Ablekuma South, Ablekuma West, and Odododiodio, and the hospital, we extend our support and solidarity to the family,” Dr. Lartey stated.
She emphasized that the government would also provide care for the suspect where appropriate, noting that the woman’s actions may have stemmed from personal desperation.
The minister expressed profound gratitude to the Ghana Police Service, security agencies, government officials, stakeholders, and members of the public who followed the case and contributed to its positive resolution. She urged residents to continue utilizing Mamprobi Polyclinic’s services, highlighting its strong record in maternal and child health despite this isolated incident, and called for enhanced security measures in healthcare facilities nationwide—such as mandatory name tags on uniforms—to prevent future occurrences.
Investigations remain ongoing to determine if Salifu had any accomplices, and she is expected to face arraignment soon. The swift recovery has been hailed as a success of collaborative efforts between law enforcement, the community, and government, turning a moment of alarm into one of relief and renewed commitment to protecting vulnerable mothers and newborns.
