Gender minister assures tighter health facility security after Mamprobi baby theft

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection has assured the public that urgent steps are being taken to strengthen security at health facilities across the country following the reported theft of a newborn at Mamprobi in Accra.

The incident, which has sparked public outrage and concern, involved the disappearance of a baby from a health facility in the Mamprobi area.

The circumstances surrounding the case remain under investigation, but the development has raised fresh questions about safety protocols in maternity wards and postnatal units.

In response, the Minister stated that the government is working closely with the Ministry of Health, hospital management, and security agencies to review and tighten existing security measures. She emphasised that health facilities, particularly maternity wards, must remain safe spaces for mothers and their newborns.

According to the Minister, proposed measures include stricter access control to maternity units, improved identification systems for both staff and visitors, enhanced surveillance systems, and increased security personnel presence within hospitals.

She also indicated that staff would undergo refresher training to ensure compliance with safety protocols.

The Minister described the incident as deeply distressing, especially for the affected family, and assured them of the government’s support during the ongoing investigation.

She added that child protection agencies have been directed to work alongside law enforcement authorities to ensure the baby is safely recovered and those responsible are brought to justice.

Health authorities have also been urged to conduct internal audits of security procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The Minister stressed that lapses in supervision, access control, or identification must be addressed immediately.

Meanwhile, police investigations are underway to trace the missing baby and identify suspects connected to the case. The public has been encouraged to provide any credible information that could assist in resolving the matter.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of children and pledged that lessons from the Mamprobi incident would inform broader reforms aimed at strengthening protection systems within health institutions nationwide.