A day-old baby girl was dramatically rescued on Tuesday after being abandoned in a bush at Bronyibima Estate near Elmina in the Central Region, following cries that alerted a local farmer.
According to initial police reports, the farmer heard the infant’s distressed cries while working in the area around midday. Upon investigation, he discovered the newborn wrapped in cloth and placed inside a polythene bag, hidden among vegetation. The baby, believed to be less than 24 hours old, showed signs of exposure but was conscious and crying.
The Good Samaritan immediately alerted nearby residents and contacted emergency services. The infant was carefully retrieved and rushed to the nearest health facility—Elmina Government Hospital—where medical personnel provided urgent care. Doctors confirmed the baby is now in stable condition, receiving treatment for mild hypothermia and dehydration but responding well.
The Ghana Police Service, through the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Divisional Command, has launched a full-scale investigation to identify and apprehend the person(s) responsible for the abandonment. Officers are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in tracing the mother or circumstances surrounding the incident.
This rescue comes amid growing concern over cases of newborn abandonment in parts of Ghana, often linked to socioeconomic pressures, lack of support for young or single mothers, stigma around unplanned pregnancies, and limited access to reproductive health services. Authorities have reiterated calls for anyone in distress or facing an unplanned pregnancy to seek help through social welfare departments, NGOs, hospitals, or community leaders rather than resorting to abandonment.
The baby remains under medical observation and is expected to be placed in the care of the Department of Social Welfare pending further arrangements, including potential foster care or family tracing. Police have assured that the investigation will be thorough, with efforts focused on both locating the biological parent(s) and ensuring the child’s long-term safety and well-being.
The Ghana Police Service commended the quick-thinking farmer whose alertness saved the infant’s life and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving children or vulnerable persons. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the nearest police station or call the national emergency line (112).
