The Ghana Police Service has provided a detailed chronological account of how a newborn baby stolen from Mamprobi Polyclinic in Accra was taken, traced and safely reunited with his mother.
According to the Accra Regional Police Command, the incident began on Friday, February 14, 2026, when the baby’s mother, Precious Ankoma, delivered a baby boy at the facility.
Three days later, on Tuesday, February 17, at about 10:00 a.m., the suspect allegedly entered the postnatal ward dressed in a peach-coloured nurse’s uniform. She reportedly approached the mother under the pretext of administering medication to the newborn but disappeared shortly afterwards with the baby.
She was captured on CCTV exiting the hospital with the baby strapped to her chest and concealed under a cloth.
The matter was formally reported to the police by Abigail Jukini and Henrietta Abbey Blessed after the mother raised alarm over the missing child.
Police officers immediately visited the hospital, took statements from staff and witnesses and launched a manhunt for the suspect.
Following investigations and public cooperation, police arrested the suspect at the premises of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra at about 3:40 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18.
The suspect, identified as 33-year-old cloth seller Latifa Salifu, was found in possession of a baby suspected to be the missing child.
Police said she claimed to have delivered the baby at the hospital and had been discharged. However, checks conducted by investigators revealed no hospital records to support her claim.
The arrest followed intelligence provided by a whistleblower who grew suspicious of inconsistencies in her alleged birth story.
Authorities confirmed that the baby was positively identified by the mother through a distinct birthmark on his leg, leading to the successful reunion.
After the identification process, the baby was handed over to medical staff and is currently receiving care and monitoring to ensure his safety and wellbeing.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue. Police also indicated that CCTV footage and other materials circulating online are being examined as part of efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case.
The police commended the public, particularly the whistleblower, for their vigilance and cooperation, which played a crucial role in locating the suspect and rescuing the child.
Authorities have urged health facilities to strengthen identification protocols, restrict access to maternity wards and ensure strict monitoring to prevent similar incidents in the future.