The Ministry of Health has directed the immediate strengthening of security measures across all health facilities nationwide following the recent theft of a newborn at Mamprobi Polyclinic in Accra.

In a press release issued on February 18, 2026, and signed by the Head of its Public Relations Unit, Isaac Ofei Baah, the Ministry commended what it described as a swift and coordinated response to the incident, particularly by the Ghana Police Service and other agencies.

“The Ministry of Health wishes to commend the swift and coordinated response of the Ghana Police Service, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and other key stakeholders, especially the whistleblower, following the recent baby theft incident at the Mamprobi Polyclinic,” the statement said.

The directive follows the arrest of a 33-year-old woman in connection with the alleged theft of a four-day-old baby boy from the facility’s postnatal ward. The suspect, Latifa Salifu, was arrested at about 3:40am on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where she was found with a baby believed to be the missing child. The child has since been reunited with his mother after being identified through a birthmark and returned to hospital care for medical assessment and safekeeping. The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to be processed for court.

In response to the incident, the Health Minister has ordered immediate and visible action across the country’s health institutions.

“In light of the incident, the Hon. Minister for Health has directed the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service to ensure the immediate enforcement of strict day and night security measures across all health facilities nationwide. Health facility administrators are required to review and strengthen their internal security protocols without delay,” the release stated.

The Ministry further underscored an earlier government directive concerning surveillance systems in hospitals and clinics.

“Furthermore, the Minister has reiterated the government's earlier directive requiring all health facilities across the country to ensure the installation and proper functioning of CCTV surveillance systems,” the statement added.

The development signals a renewed push by authorities to address security vulnerabilities in public health institutions, particularly maternity and postnatal units, which are often crowded and susceptible to impersonation and other breaches.

Reassuring the public, the Ministry said, “The Ministry reassures the general public that the Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding patients and ensuring accountability within the health sector.”

It also urged restraint as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident. “The Ministry of Health calls for calm while the investigation is ongoing,” the statement concluded.