Missing Newborn at Salaga Hospital Sparks Police Investigation

Police in Ghana’s Savannah Region are investigating the reported disappearance of a newborn baby from Salaga Municipal Hospital, with two midwives assisting enquiries as authorities seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the case

SALAGA, Ghana — Police in Ghana’s Savannah Region are investigating the reported disappearance of a newborn baby from Salaga Municipal Hospital, an incident that has sparked concern among residents and prompted the arrest and questioning of healthcare workers. Authorities have confirmed that investigations are underway after a baby girl was reported missing shortly after delivery at the hospital on Wednesday.

Initial reports indicated that a nurse had been detained as part of the investigation. However, subsequent statements from local authorities and police sources said two midwives had been arrested and were assisting investigators with enquiries into the case. The circumstances surrounding the infant’s disappearance remain unclear, and officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue.

Family Reports Baby Missing After Delivery

According to accounts provided by relatives, the child’s mother, identified in local media reports as Priscilla, was admitted to Salaga Municipal Hospital in the early hours of Wednesday while in labour. Family members said she later delivered a baby girl and was initially informed that both mother and child were in good condition.

However, relatives allege that repeated attempts to see the newborn were unsuccessful. Speaking to journalists, Balik Majik Ebenezer, identified as the brother of the child’s father, Kofi Simon, said concerns escalated when the mother was later moved to a ward without the baby.

According to him, family members were informed that the child was not in the maternity ward, prompting panic and a search for the newborn. The family subsequently reported the matter to police.

Police Investigation Intensifies

The Ghana Police Service has not publicly released detailed findings from the investigation, but officers have confirmed that enquiries are ongoing. According to media reports citing police sources, investigators have interviewed hospital personnel who were on duty around the time of the alleged disappearance.

DSP Gabriel Alorsey told local media that two suspects had been arrested and were expected to assist with investigations as authorities sought to establish exactly what happened. Police have not announced any formal charges. Hospital staff who have been questioned are regarded as part of an ongoing investigation, and authorities have not alleged criminal responsibility against any individual.

Hospital Management Cooperating

Hospital administrators have confirmed the incident and say they are cooperating with investigators. Aloysius Bokuma, the hospital’s administrator, told journalists that police had questioned staff from different shifts as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the baby’s disappearance. He said the hospital had formally reported the matter to health authorities and that the Northern Regional Health Directorate was expected to undertake a fact-finding exercise.

According to Mr Bokuma, an official incident report has already been submitted to senior health officials. The hospital administrator described the case as unprecedented in his experience at the facility.

MP Confirms Arrests

The Member of Parliament for Salaga South, Hajia Zuweira Mohammed Ibrahimah, confirmed that two midwives had been arrested in connection with the case and were assisting police investigations. In a statement, the MP said she had been in contact with relevant authorities and had received assurances that investigations were progressing. She appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information that could undermine the investigative process.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family, and I sincerely hope for a swift and positive resolution to this unfortunate situation,” she said.

Growing Public Concern

The case has generated significant public interest across Ghana, with many expressing concern about security arrangements within healthcare facilities, particularly maternity wards. The incident comes months after another widely reported case involving the disappearance of a baby from a health facility in Accra, a development that renewed national discussions about patient safety and infant protection measures.

For the family in Salaga, however, the immediate concern remains the whereabouts of the missing child. Police have not disclosed whether any evidence has been recovered or whether investigators have identified a possible motive. As of Thursday evening, authorities said investigations were continuing.

Nukunya will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.