Accra, March 4, – A 33-year-old trader, Latifa Salifu, accused of abducting a four-day-old infant from Mamprobi Hospital, has been granted bail of GHC200,000 by the Circuit Court.
The court, presiding at the Police Headquarters in Accra, ordered that two sureties be provided, one of whom must justify with landed property valued at GHC150,000. As part of the conditions, Salifu is required to report to the case investigator every Monday and Thursday and surrender her travel documents to the court registry. The next hearing has been scheduled for April 8, 2026.
Latifa, charged with child stealing, pleaded not guilty after the prosecution presented amended facts before Mrs Annette Sophia Essel, who presided over the proceedings.
Chief Inspector Opoku Aniagyei, leading the prosecution, confirmed that investigations were complete and requested that the accused’s plea be taken. He did not oppose bail but emphasized strict conditions to ensure her attendance when required.
Defence counsel, Dr Hamisu Muhammed, argued for bail, stressing that all offences are bailable at the court’s discretion. He contended that the accused was not a flight risk, citing her strong local ties and ongoing business activities, and noted that reputable individuals were ready to act as sureties. Dr Muhammed further appealed that bail conditions not be punitive, noting that Salifu was traumatised and depressed.
According to the prosecution, the complainant, Precious Ankomah, 29, delivered her baby boy at Mamprobi Hospital via caesarean section on February 14, 2026. She and her newborn were moved to the theatre recovery ward. By February 16, tests showed the baby had jaundice, prompting a planned transfer to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, though the mother was discharged the same day for inability to pay fees.
On February 17, at approximately 0400 hours, the accused, dressed in peach-colored nurses’ scrubs, allegedly approached the complainant under the guise of administering care and left, only to return around 0700 hours and abduct the infant. The morning shift nurses discovered the child missing and reported it to Mamprobi Police, with a nurse, Abigail Gudjinu, confirming the incident.
During the search for the child, the accused reportedly contacted a whistleblower, claiming she had delivered at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital but was discharged due to insufficient beds. Police at Dansoman subsequently arrested Latifa. In her caution statement, she admitted to the offence.
GHBUSS
4 March 2026
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