The Savannah Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has established a seven-member committee to investigate the disappearance of a newborn baby from the East Gonja Municipal Hospital in Salaga.
The committee, formed by the Savannah Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. John Ekow Otoo, is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, recommend disciplinary measures where necessary, and propose strategies to prevent similar occurrences in health facilities.
The decision comes as the Directorate confirmed that health workers responsible for the care of the baby before the disappearance have been interdicted and are facing criminal prosecution.
In a statement issued on June 24, the GHS disclosed that the affected staff members have been arraigned before the Tamale High Court in connection with the case.
According to the statement, the interdictions were carried out in accordance with the GHS Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures and will remain in force pending the outcome of the court proceedings.
The Directorate also indicated that it is working closely with the Ghana Police Service to locate the missing child and has appealed to the public to assist with any information that could support ongoing investigations.
As part of efforts to aid the search, hospitals, child welfare clinics, and Community Health Officers across the country have been directed to remain alert and report any suspicious mother-and-baby pair to the nearest police station.
The GHS further revealed that psychological support has been arranged for the baby’s parents and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability, patient safety, and quality healthcare delivery.
The Directorate expressed sympathy to the affected family and assured the public that updates would be provided as investigations progress.
The baby was reported missing from the East Gonja Municipal Hospital on June 10, 2026.
On June 12, two midwives at the facility, Frank Atanga, 52, and Mariam Mohammed, 32, were remanded into police custody by the Tamale Circuit Court over their alleged involvement in the case. They were charged with conspiracy to steal and abduction but pleaded not guilty before Her Honour Afua Srakuba.
Police investigations into the suspected abduction remain ongoing.
