An Accra Circuit Court has issued a stern warning, threatening to strike out the alleged Mamprobi Hospital baby theft case if the prosecution fails to submit its disclosures. The warning came after the prosecution cited significant delays in obtaining signatures from key witnesses, including the complainant, her husband, doctors, nurses, and security personnel, as the primary obstacle. The court has adjourned the proceedings to June 11, 2026, with a clear directive to resolve the disclosure issues.
Case Background and Delays
The case, which garnered substantial public attention after its emergence in February 2026, involves the alleged theft of a four-day-old baby from Mamprobi Hospital. The accused, 33-year-old trader Latifa Salifu, faces a charge of child stealing and has pleaded not guilty. She is currently out on bail amounting to GH¢200,000.
The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Opoku Aniagyei, informed the court that witness statements have been prepared but are awaiting signatures. A lawyer, reportedly representing the hospital, has requested a conference with the medical and security staff before they sign their statements. This intervention has stalled the disclosure process for approximately two months.
Allegations Unfold
The complainant, Precious Ankomah, a 29-year-old trader, delivered a baby boy via caesarean section at Mamprobi Hospital on February 16, 2026. Medical evaluations revealed the newborn suffered from jaundice, necessitating a transfer to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for specialized care. Despite being discharged on the same day due to her inability to settle medical bills, Ankomah remained at the hospital with her infant.
The alleged incident occurred in the early hours of February 17. The prosecution claims the accused, Latifa Salifu, dressed in nurse scrubs, approached Ankomah, observed the baby, and then left. Later that morning, around 0700 hours, Salifu allegedly returned and took the baby, falsely claiming she needed to administer medication.
When the morning shift nurses arrived, they discovered the baby was missing. Ankomah informed them that a woman she believed to be a nurse had taken the child for treatment. A subsequent search within the hospital premises yielded no results, leading nurse Abigail Gudjinu to report the disappearance to the Mamprobi Police.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation gained momentum on February 18 when a whistle-blower alerted the police. The informant revealed that the accused had been telling others she had recently delivered a baby at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and was discharged the same day. This information led the police to Salifu.
During the investigation and subsequent arrest, the accused reportedly admitted to the offence. The successful apprehension of the accused and the recovery of the child have been critical to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Implications for the Justice System
The court’s warning highlights the critical importance of timely disclosure in the judicial process. Delays, whether due to administrative hurdles, witness availability, or external interference, can jeopardize cases and undermine public trust in the justice system. The prosecution’s reliance on witness cooperation and hospital administration for the necessary documentation underscores the interconnectedness of different entities in ensuring legal proceedings move forward efficiently.
For the accused, the looming threat of the case being struck out offers a potential reprieve, though a conviction remains possible if disclosures are eventually filed and evidence presented. For the complainant and her family, the prolonged legal battle and the emotional toll of the alleged incident continue to be significant factors.
What to Watch Next
The key development to monitor is whether the prosecution can overcome the current disclosure challenges before the June 11, 2026, adjournment date. The involvement of a hospital lawyer in the witness statement process will likely be scrutinized. Observers will be watching to see if the court enforces its warning and strikes out the case, or if the prosecution can expedite the filing of disclosures to allow the trial to proceed. The resolution of this procedural hurdle will determine the next steps in this high-profile case.
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