The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has directed all Regional Health Directorates to immediately tighten security and patient-care systems across health facilities nationwide following the reported disappearance of a baby at Mamprobi Hospital.
In a statement dated February 18, 2026, and signed by Director-General Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the Service ordered the rollout of strengthened safeguards to protect patients, particularly newborns and other high-risk groups.
“Following the disturbing incident of the reported missing baby at the Mamprobi Hospital and the subsequent statement issued by the Ministry of Health, all Regional Health Directorates and facilities are hereby directed to implement, and strengthen, where necessary, immediate, comprehensive security and patient-care protocols to safeguard all patients, especially the most vulnerable,” the statement read.
Alleged baby theft triggers nationwide review
The directive follows an alleged baby theft at the Mamprobi Polyclinic in Accra on February 18, 2026. A woman is suspected to have taken the infant, an incident that has sparked widespread concern and prompted a nationwide reassessment of safety procedures within public health facilities.
The development has intensified public scrutiny over hospital security systems, particularly in maternity and postnatal wards where newborns remain most vulnerable.
New security measures rolled out
As part of immediate corrective steps, the GHS has mandated stricter staff identification protocols across all facilities.
Health workers are now required to wear official uniforms and clearly visible name tags at all times while on duty within hospital premises — a move aimed at helping patients and relatives easily distinguish authorized personnel from visitors.
Health facilities have also been directed to ensure constant and dedicated supervision at postnatal wards to strengthen monitoring and prevent unauthorized access.
Management teams are expected to tighten oversight in maternity units, where security lapses can have severe consequences.
Mandatory discharge verification system introduced
In a major procedural shift, the Service is introducing a compulsory discharge verification system nationwide. Under the new policy, thorough checks and confirmation processes must be completed before any patient — especially newborns — is discharged.
The measure is intended to eliminate mix-ups and prevent unlawful removals.
Beyond procedural reforms, the GHS has ordered the upgrading and proper maintenance of CCTV infrastructure in hospitals and clinics to improve surveillance capabilities.
At the same time, intensified staff training programs will be rolled out to heighten security awareness and reinforce strict adherence to patient-care standards.
Public confidence at stake
According to Director-General Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, strict compliance with the new measures is critical to preventing similar incidents and restoring public confidence in Ghana’s healthcare system.
The unfolding situation at Mamprobi has now become a national flashpoint — and the coming weeks will test the effectiveness of the Service’s emergency reforms.