The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has directed all Regional Health Directorates to immediately strengthen security and patient care systems across health facilities nationwide following the reported baby theft incident at the Mamprobi Polyclinic in Accra.
In a directive issued on 18 February 2026 and signed by the Director-General of the GHS, Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, regional directors were instructed to implement comprehensive measures to safeguard patients, particularly newborns and other vulnerable groups.
The directive follows Tuesday’s incident in which a baby was allegedly stolen from the Mamprobi facility by a female suspect. The child has since been recovered, and a suspect arrested, according to police.
Tightened protocols
Among the immediate measures outlined is the strict enforcement of enhanced staff identification systems. Health workers are now required to wear uniforms and visible name tags at all times within health facilities.
Facilities have also been directed to ensure a dedicated presence at postnatal wards to improve supervision and monitoring of mothers and newborns.
In addition, the GHS has ordered the introduction of a mandatory discharge verification system to ensure thorough checks are conducted before patients — especially newborns — are discharged.
All health facilities are further required to upgrade and maintain functional CCTV systems to strengthen surveillance. Staff training is also to be intensified to reinforce security awareness and improve patient care standards.
Preventing recurrence
According to the Director-General, the effective implementation of these measures is critical to preventing a recurrence of such incidents and maintaining public confidence in the healthcare system.
Police have indicated that the suspect in the Mamprobi case allegedly disguised herself as a nurse to carry out the act.
The Ghana Health Service says it will monitor compliance with the new directives to ensure patient safety across the country.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
