Police in Ghana have arrested a 33-year-old woman in connection with the alleged abduction of a four-day-old baby boy from a hospital in the capital, Accra.
The suspect, identified as Latifa Salifu, was arrested at about 3:40 a.m. on Wednesday at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, one of the country’s largest referral facilities. She is expected to appear in court on Thursday as investigations continue.
According to the Ghana Police Service, the incident was first reported on Tuesday morning. The baby had been taken from the postnatal ward of Mamprobi Hospital, a public health facility serving communities in western Accra.
The infant’s mother, Precious Ankomah, told police she delivered on Friday, February 14. She said a woman dressed in what appeared to be a nurse’s uniform approached her and said she was taking the baby to administer medication. The child was not returned.
Police officers visited the hospital, gathered statements and launched a search operation with support from members of the public. The suspect was later found at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital with a baby believed to be the missing child.
At a press briefing in Accra, police said the suspect claimed she had given birth at Korle Bu but had been discharged due to a shortage of hospital beds. However, hospital checks reportedly found no record of such a delivery.
The baby was identified by his mother through a birthmark and has since been placed under medical observation.
Authorities say they are reviewing CCTV footage and other videos circulating on social media as part of ongoing investigations. Further updates are expected after the suspect’s court appearance.