The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has intensified efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of a newborn at the East Gonja Municipal Hospital in Salaga by establishing a seven-member investigative committee to examine the incident.
The committee, constituted by the Savannah Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. John Ekow Otoo, has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the case, identifying any lapses that may have contributed to the disappearance, and recommending measures to prevent similar incidents in healthcare facilities.
According to the Savannah Regional Health Directorate, the committee will also advise on possible disciplinary action against individuals found culpable following its investigations.
The move forms part of a broader response by health authorities after the baby reportedly went missing from the hospital on June 10, 2026.
In a statement issued on June 24, the Directorate disclosed that staff members who were directly responsible for the care of the newborn prior to the disappearance have been interdicted in accordance with the Ghana Health Service’s disciplinary procedures.
The statement further revealed that the affected staff members have been arraigned before the Tamale High Court and are currently facing criminal proceedings linked to the case.
“The staff responsible for the baby’s care before her disappearance have been arraigned before the Tamale High Court and are currently facing criminal proceedings,” the statement noted.
Health authorities emphasized that the interdictions will remain in force until the legal process is concluded.
Meanwhile, the Directorate said it is working closely with the Ghana Police Service to locate the missing child and determine the full circumstances surrounding the case.
As part of the nationwide search effort, hospitals, child welfare clinics and Community Health Officers have been placed on alert and directed to report any suspicious mother-and-child pair to the nearest police station.
The GHS also announced that psychological and emotional support services have been arranged for the affected family as investigations continue.
The Directorate expressed sympathy to the parents and reassured the public of its commitment to accountability, patient safety and the protection of vulnerable persons within health facilities.
The case has already led to the prosecution of two midwives from the East Gonja Municipal Hospital. Frank Atanga, 52, and Mariam Mohammed, 32, were remanded into custody by the Tamale Circuit Court on June 12 after being charged with conspiracy to steal and abduction.
Both accused persons pleaded not guilty when they appeared before the court, while police investigations into the alleged abduction remain ongoing.
Health authorities say updates will be provided as both the criminal investigations and the internal inquiry progress.
