By Grace Zigah
The Tamale Circuit Court has remanded two midwives from the East Gonja District Hospital in Salaga into police custody over their alleged involvement in the disappearance of a newborn baby from the health facility, a case that has sparked concern among residents and health authorities in the Savannah Region.
The accused, Frank Atanga, 52, and Mariam Mohammed, 32, appeared before Judge Afua Srakuba on charges of conspiracy to steal and abduction.
Both accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were arraigned before the court.
Following their appearance, the court ordered that the two be remanded into police custody for one week to allow investigators to continue their work.
The case has been adjourned to June 18, 2026, when the accused persons are expected to reappear before the court for further proceedings.
The prosecution’s case stems from the reported disappearance of a newborn baby from the East Gonja District Hospital on June 10, 2026.
According to preliminary information, the infant went missing under circumstances that remain unclear, prompting an immediate investigation by the Police and health authorities.
The disappearance of the baby has generated widespread public concern and renewed discussions about security measures within healthcare facilities, particularly maternity and neonatal units where newborns are most vulnerable.
As investigations continue, police in the East Gonja Municipality are working to establish exactly how the infant disappeared and whether any individuals within or outside the hospital were involved in the incident.
Meanwhile, the Savannah Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has described the incident as both unfortunate and deeply disturbing.
In a statement issued following the disappearance, the Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. John Ekow Otoo, confirmed that hospital management immediately initiated an internal search operation after receiving reports that the baby was missing.
According to the Directorate, staff conducted a thorough search of the hospital premises in an attempt to locate the infant, but the efforts yielded no results.
Dr. Otoo indicated that the Health Directorate is collaborating closely with hospital management, security personnel and the Ghana Police Service to uncover the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and ensure the safe recovery of the child.
The Directorate also expressed sympathy to the family of the missing newborn and assured them of its full support throughout the investigation process.
Health authorities have further appealed to members of the public to assist with information that could lead to the location and safe return of the baby.
Individuals with relevant information have been urged to contact the nearest police station, the Savannah Regional Health Directorate or authorities at the East Gonja District Hospital.
The Ghana Health Service assured the public that all information received would be treated with the strictest confidentiality as security agencies intensify efforts to trace the missing child.
