An Accra Circuit Court has warned it will strike out the alleged Mamprobi Hospital baby theft case. The prosecution has not filed its required disclosures. The court issued this warning at a hearing at the Police Headquarters. Chief Inspector Opoku Aniagyei leads the prosecution. He explained delays in obtaining witness signatures are the cause.
Witness statements are ready for the complainant and her husband. However, they have not yet signed them. Doctors, nurses, and security staff at Mamprobi Hospital are also key witnesses. They also need to sign their statements. A lawyer representing the hospital reportedly requested a meeting. This meeting is intended for the medical and security staff. They are to meet this lawyer before signing their statements. This situation has prevented the prosecution from filing disclosures for two months. The court stated the case would be dismissed if disclosures are not submitted. Proceedings were adjourned to June 11, 2026.
The case gained significant public attention. It emerged in February 2026. Latifa Salifu, aged 33, is the accused. She is a trader. Ms. Salifu faces charges of child stealing. She pleaded not guilty to the charges. She is currently on bail. The bail sum is GHS 200,000. The complainant is Precious Ankomah, also a trader. She is 29 years old. Ms. Ankomah delivered a baby boy at Mamprobi Hospital. The delivery occurred on February 16, 2026. It was via caesarean section. Medical tests later showed the baby had jaundice. Plans were made to transfer the mother and child. They were to go to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for treatment. Ms. Ankomah was discharged the same day. This was due to her inability to pay medical bills then. She remained at the hospital with her baby.
On February 17, around 4:00 AM, Latifa Salifu approached the complainant. She was wearing peach-coloured nurse scrubs. She observed the baby and then left. Around 7:00 AM, she allegedly returned. She took the baby. Her reason was to administer medication. She then disappeared with the child. When nurses began their morning shift, they noticed the baby was gone. The complainant told them a woman she thought was a nurse had taken the baby. A search within the hospital yielded no results. Nurse Abigail Gudjinu reported the incident to Mamprobi Police. On February 18, while the investigation was ongoing, a whistle-blower provided information. The accused had allegedly claimed she delivered a baby at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. She also stated she was discharged the same day. Investigations led to her arrest. She reportedly admitted to the offence during her arrest.
The continuous delays in the judicial process raise concerns. Such delays can impact the public's trust in the justice system. It also affects the perception of efficiency within law enforcement. The prosecution's reliance on witness statements is standard. However, prolonged delays in obtaining these statements can be problematic for case progression. The court's firm stance demonstrates a need for timely judicial processes. This is especially important in high-profile cases. Future court proceedings will be closely watched.