Following the traumatic theft and subsequent rescue of a four-day-old baby boy, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh conducted an unannounced working visit to the Mamprobi Polyclinic on Friday, February 20, 2026. The Minister announced a "zero-tolerance" policy for security lapses, making it clear that facility administrators will be held directly accountable for any future breaches.
The new measures aim to close the "open-door" gaps that allowed a suspect, Latifa Salifu, to walk into the postnatal ward dressed as a nurse and take the infant on Tuesday, February 17.
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| Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh |
The "No Tag, No Entry" Protocol
The cornerstone of the new security framework is a strict identification system for both staff and patients.
Non-Negotiable Name Tags: All health workers must wear visible, approved name tags and uniforms at all times.
The "Exit-Only" Removal Rule: In a move to prevent baby swaps and abductions, the Minister directed that patient and baby identification tags must only be removed at the security gate (exit), never at the ward level.
Discharge Verification: A new compulsory verification system requires multiple layers of confirmation before any newborn is allowed to leave a ward or the facility.
24-Hour Lockdown and Police Presence
Beyond identification, the physical security of the polyclinic and other health facilities nationwide has been significantly heightened.
Round-the-Clock Patrols: The Accra Regional Police Command has deployed officers to provide 24-hour security at the Mamprobi Polyclinic to restore public confidence.
CCTV Mandate: The Minister reiterated that all hospitals must have functional CCTV surveillance systems that are actively monitored, not just recorded.
Ward Access Control: Facility managers have been ordered to restrict entry points to maternity and postnatal wards, ensuring that only authorized visitors and personnel can enter.
Legal Update: Suspect Remanded
While the security reforms were being announced, the legal process against the suspect reached a key milestone.
14-Day Remand: An Accra Circuit Court has remanded 33-year-old Latifa Salifu (also identified as Latifa Iddrisu) into police custody for 14 days.
Next Court Date: She is expected to reappear on March 4, 2026, to face charges related to child stealing.
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