In a dramatic turn of events, an Accra Circuit Court has issued a stern warning that it may be compelled to dismiss the high-profile Mamprobi Hospital baby theft case if the prosecution fails to submit its disclosures promptly. The case, which has captured public attention due to its sensitive nature, involves a 33-year-old trader, Latifa Salifu, who stands accused of stealing a four-day-old baby from the hospital in February 2026.
Court's Warning and Prosecution Delays
The court, which convened at the Police Headquarters, expressed its frustration over the prosecution's inability to file critical disclosures. Chief Inspector Opoku Aniagyei, leading the prosecution, informed the court that procedural delays had hindered progress. Specifically, the complainant and her husband had yet to sign their prepared statements, and other key witnesses, including doctors, nurses, and security personnel, had not appended their signatures either.
Adding to the delay, a lawyer said to be representing Mamprobi Hospital had reportedly requested a meeting with the medical and security staff before they signed their statements. This procedural bottleneck has resulted in a two-month delay in filing the necessary disclosures. The court has now adjourned the case to June 11, 2026, but not without a warning: if the prosecution fails to resolve these issues by the next hearing date, the case will be dismissed.
The Accused: Latifa Salifu
The accused, Latifa Salifu, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of child stealing and is currently out on bail set at GH¢200,000. Salifu is alleged to have taken a four-day-old baby boy from Mamprobi Hospital under false pretenses. The child’s mother, Precious Ankomah, a 29-year-old trader from James Town, had delivered her baby on February 16, 2026, via caesarean section. Due to financial constraints, she was discharged the same day but remained at the hospital with her baby, who was being treated for jaundice.
According to prosecutors, Salifu entered the hospital dressed in peach-colored nurse scrubs. She allegedly approached Ankomah around 4:00 a.m. on February 17 and examined the baby before leaving. Salifu reportedly returned at approximately 7:00 a.m., claiming she needed to administer medication to the baby. However, she did not return with the infant.
Ankomah initially assumed that Salifu was a nurse. When hospital staff arrived for their shift later that morning, they discovered that the baby was missing. Nurse Abigail Gudjinu reported the incident to Mamprobi Police.
Arrest and Investigation
The investigation took a significant turn on February 18 when a whistle-blower informed police that Salifu had claimed she had given birth at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and had been discharged on the same day. Authorities arrested Salifu shortly thereafter. During interrogation, she allegedly admitted to taking the baby.
The Road Ahead
As this case unfolds, it underscores the critical importance of timely judicial processes and cooperation among all parties involved. The delays in securing witness signatures and filing disclosures have not only slowed down proceedings but also risk derailing justice for those affected by this harrowing incident.
With a new adjournment date set for June 11, 2026, all eyes will be on the prosecution to ensure compliance with the court's directives. Failure to meet this deadline could result in the dismissal of a case that has already drawn significant public and media scrutiny.
The Mamprobi Hospital baby theft case serves as a stark reminder of the need for efficiency and accountability within Ghana’s legal and healthcare systems. It also highlights the vulnerability of patients and underscores the necessity of robust hospital security measures to protect those under medical care. As this story continues to develop, many hope that justice will ultimately prevail for all parties involved.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
