Missing newborn: GHS interdicts staff, launches probe at Salaga hospital

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has set up a committee to investigate the disappearance of a newborn baby from the East Gonja Municipal Hospital in Salaga, as authorities continue efforts to trace the child.

In a statement issued on 24 June, the Savannah Regional Health Directorate said a seven-member committee had been established to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and recommend measures to prevent similar cases in future.

The committee has also been tasked with identifying any breaches of procedure and recommending disciplinary action where necessary.

The Directorate said health workers responsible for the care of the baby before the disappearance had been interdicted in line with the GHS Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.

According to the statement, the staff members have also been arraigned before the courts and are facing criminal proceedings in connection with the case.

"The staff responsible for the baby's care before her disappearance have been arraigned before the Tamale High Court and are currently facing criminal proceedings," the statement said.

The interdictions will remain in force pending the outcome of the court process.

The newborn reportedly went missing from the East Gonja Municipal Hospital on 10 June.

Two midwives from the facility, Frank Atanga, 52, and Mariam Mohammed, 32, were earlier charged with conspiracy to steal and abduction. They pleaded not guilty when they appeared before a court in Tamale.

The Health Directorate said it was working closely with the Ghana Police Service as investigations continue and appealed to the public to provide information that could help locate the missing child.

Hospitals, child welfare clinics and Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds across the country have also been asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious mother-and-baby pair to the police.

The GHS said psychological support had been arranged for the baby's parents and expressed sympathy to the family.

It added that it remained committed to ensuring accountability and maintaining public confidence in the healthcare system while investigations continue.