A distressing event unfolded at Zebilla District Hospital in the Bawku West district of the Upper East Region when a one-week-old baby was reportedly stolen on Saturday.
The infant, born to Felicia Dery, was taken in a concerning incident, shedding light on significant gaps in hospital security protocols.
Zangina Grace, a midwife on duty, recounted the series of events to Adom News.
According to her, the baby’s mother delivered on May 25, 2024, at the hospital.
On Saturday evening, the mother, having formed a bond with a stranger posing as a patient’s relative, entrusted her baby to the stranger while she bathed. Later, it was discovered that this imposter had a male accomplice.
“When she returned, the man and the lady were not to be found. They left with the baby. So it has been very sad,” stated Grace.
“A mother who came to deliver through a C-section met some strange people who befriended her. She left her baby with them to go and have her bath, and when she returned, they had disappeared.”
Grace also lamented the hospital’s inadequate security measures.
She disclosed the lack of CCTV cameras and proper fencing, making it easier for such incidents to go unnoticed.
Furthermore, the midwife advocated for stricter visitor regulations, proposing adherence to visiting hours and limiting visitors to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The baby’s father also spoke with Adom News, offering additional insights into how the culprits were identified and apprehended.
“She left her ID cards, and that was how we were able to identify her. They circulated it, and that was how they caught her. I wanted to see her, but the police didn’t allow me to enter the station,” he explained.
“We had an unforeseen incident where someone was able to outwit a mother and steal her baby. During visiting hours, she gained the mother’s trust, who gave her baby to take her bath. When she returned, the baby was gone. Through timely community intervention, we have apprehended the suspect, and the baby is safe in our custody. The suspect has since been arrested by the police,” Dr. Abdul-Rahaman stated.
However, Dr. Ayobi Abdul-Rahaman, the Medical Superintendent of Zebilla District Hospital, confirmed the incident, stating that the police were promptly alerted and have since apprehended the suspects along with the baby, who has been safely recovered.