Latifa Salifu, the 33-year-old cloth seller accused of stealing a newborn baby boy from Mamprobi Polyclinic, has been remanded into police custody for 14 days by an Accra court.
The ruling was delivered on Friday, February 20, 2026, following her first court appearance. Defence counsel prayed the court to grant bail, citing that the suspect has two young children—a 7-year-old and a 10-year-old—who depend on her for care.
However, after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence, the presiding judge denied bail and remanded Salifu into custody to allow further investigations.
She is scheduled to reappear before court on March 4, 2026, for the case to continue.
Background of the Case
The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Mamprobi Polyclinic in Accra. The baby’s mother, Precious Ankomah, had delivered the boy via cesarean section on February 14, 2026. Three days later, at around 10:00 am, a woman disguised in a peach-coloured nurse’s uniform approached the postnatal ward, took the infant under the pretext of administering medication, and fled the premises.
The mother, Abigail Dzukunu (who accompanied the complainant), and Henrietta Abbey Blessed immediately reported the theft to police. The Dansoman Divisional Police Command launched an intensive manhunt, aided by viral CCTV footage showing the suspect carrying the baby away.
In the early hours of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at approximately 3:40 am, officers arrested Latifa Salifu at the premises of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where she was found in possession of the missing infant. The baby, who had developed a fever during the ordeal, was immediately returned to medical care and reunited with his mother.
During interrogation, Salifu claimed she had delivered at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and was discharged due to a lack of beds. However, hospital records contradicted her account, revealing no trace of her admission or discharge.
The suspect faces charges related to child stealing and impersonation. The swift police response and recovery were commended by authorities and the public, while the case prompted the Ghana Health Service to enforce stricter identification protocols, including mandatory uniforms and visible name tags for all health workers.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, led by Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has provided full medical bill coverage for the mother and baby, along with assorted support items. The family has since requested a DNA test to confirm the child’s identity before fully accepting him back, citing long-term concerns.
Investigations remain ongoing to determine whether Salifu acted alone or had accomplices. The 14-day remand will allow police to complete forensic, medical, and witness-related inquiries ahead of the next court date. The case continues to draw national attention, highlighting vulnerabilities in hospital security and the importance of rapid law enforcement action in protecting vulnerable newborns and mothers.
