Woman arrested over alleged theft of 4-day-old baby; set to be arraigned tomorrow
The Ghana Police Service has arrested a 33-year-old woman in connection with the alleged theft of a four-day-old baby boy from the postnatal ward of Mamprobi Hospital in Accra.
The suspect, Latifa Salifu, a cloth seller, was arrested at about 3:40 am on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. She was found with a baby believed to be the missing child, police disclosed at a press briefing held today at the Dansoman Divisional Headquarters.
According to the Accra Regional Police Command, the incident was reported on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at about 10:00 am by Abigail Dzikunu, accompanied by Henrietta Abbey Blessed. They informed the police that an unidentified woman, disguised as a nurse, had taken the baby from the postnatal ward of Mamprobi Hospital.
The baby’s mother, Precious Ankomah, told police she delivered the boy on Friday, February 14, 2026. She said a woman wearing a peach-coloured nurse’s uniform took the baby under the pretext of administering medication and did not return him.
Police said officers promptly visited the hospital, took statements and launched a search for the suspect with assistance from the public.
Following her arrest, Ms Salifu claimed she had delivered at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and had been discharged due to a shortage of beds. However, police checks at the facility found no records to support her claim.
The baby was later identified by the mother through a birthmark on his leg and was reunited with her. Police said the child has since returned to hospital care for medical assessment and safekeeping.
Ms Salifu remains in police custody as investigations continue and will be processed for court tomorrow. Police added that videos circulating on social media, including CCTV footage, are being reviewed and that further updates will be communicated to the public.
