The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested three individuals in connection with the alleged theft of a newborn baby from One Heart Hospital in Tamale, a case that has sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stronger security in health facilities across the region.
The arrests, carried out by the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) on Sunday, December 21, involved two nurses and a hospital security guard who were on duty at the time of the incident. The suspects have been identified as nurses Abubakari Fatima Bintu and Grace Asiedu Mensah, as well as a security guard,Abukari Iddi.
How the Baby Was Allegedly Taken
According to preliminary police investigations, the newborn baby boy was taken under suspicious circumstances from the hospital’s labour ward shortly after delivery. A woman, believed to have posed as a nurse, reportedly entered the ward and informed staff that she was taking the baby for an injection or routine medical checks.
Witnesses say the woman left the labour ward with the baby but failed to return, raising alarm among hospital staff and family members. The disappearance of the newborn triggered panic within the facility, prompting immediate reports to hospital authorities and the police.
Mother’s Account of the Incident
The baby’s mother, Abdul Mumin Safiyatu, recounted the distressing moment in an interview with JoyNews. She explained that she had briefly stepped out to use the washroom, assuming her baby was safe under hospital care. Upon returning, she discovered that her newborn was missing.
Her account aligns with that of an eyewitness, who told reporters that a woman entered the delivery room, claimed she was taking the baby for vital checks, and later disappeared with the child.
Father’s Distress and Family Shock
The baby’s father, Bawa Sayibu, said he received a call around 1:15 a.m. informing him that his wife had successfully delivered a baby boy. He later visited the hospital, purchased medications required for the baby ahead of discharge, and left the facility around 10 a.m, believing everything was in order.
“I was sitting with my colleagues when my sister called me crying and asked me to rush to the hospital,” he said. “When I arrived, I was told the baby had been stolen.”
Mr. Sayibu disclosed that following a formal report to the police, several arrests were made, including one of his wives who works at the hospital. The revelation has added another layer of emotional strain to an already traumatic situation for the family.
Police Investigations Ongoing
The Northern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Alhassan Luckman Niendow, confirmed the arrests and stated that intelligence-led operations are ongoing to locate the missing baby and identify any additional suspects linked to the case.
He emphasized that the police are treating the matter with urgency, given the vulnerability of the victim and the seriousness of the crime. Authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to reunite the baby with the family.
Public Reaction and Security Concerns
Following news of the incident, residents of Lamashegu besieged One Heart Hospital, demanding accountability and answers from hospital management. The incident has sparked public outrage, with many expressing shock that such an act could occur within a healthcare facility meant to protect lives.
Community members and concerned residents have raised broader concerns about security lapses in hospitals, calling for tighter access controls, improved surveillance systems, and stricter staff identification protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A Wake-Up Call for Health Facilities
The alleged baby theft has become a sobering reminder of the need for robust security measures in maternity wards and health facilities nationwide. As investigations continue, many are hopeful that the missing baby will be found safe and that lessons will be learned to strengthen patient protection across Ghana’s healthcare system.
