The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, have led a high-level intervention in Salaga following the theft of a newborn baby from the Salaga Municipal Hospital, assuring the affected family and residents that every available resource is being deployed to recover the missing child while those responsible face the full force of the law.
He assured the family and public that all resources are being deployed to find the baby and bring those responsible to justice, while urging calm and cooperation with security investigations.
“Our priority is to recover the missing baby and reinforce hospital security through close collaboration with traditional authorities, the family, and security agencies,” the Health Service chief said.
Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS)
He also met local authorities, traditional leaders, hospital management, and security officials to assess the situation and restore public confidence in the health system.
Traditional Authorities Called Upon to Preserve Peace
During his visit to Salaga, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea met with Kassim Rabiu Yazid, who updated him on the ongoing investigation and measures being taken by the Municipal Assembly and security agencies. He also paid a courtesy call on Haruna Bismark Dari Bambangne Ndefoso IV, who was meeting with traditional leaders, elders, and youth representatives.
Speaking at the gathering, Dr. Kaba emphasized the important role of traditional authorities in promoting peace, resolving conflicts, and supporting communities during times of crisis.
“History has it that before the coming of the white man to Africa and for that matter Ghana, before independence and before administrative governments were established, our traditions and cultures, our societies and communities have always been governed by chieftaincy. In difficult times, we all run home to our chiefs for guidance, protection, and support. And that is why I have come home, to you the Chief.”
Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea
Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea apologised to chiefs and residents in Salaga over the newborn theft incident, assuring that strong measures are being implemented to prevent future occurrences.
He stated that any staff found culpable would face disciplinary or legal action and confirmed full cooperation with security agencies to recover the baby and ensure justice.
Haruna Bismark Dari Bambangne Ndefoso IV expressed confidence in the investigation, while Onajah N-Yajapoa Emmanuel called for calm and an independent inquiry to strengthen safeguards.
Director-General Consoles Family
dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, together with regional health directors and the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, visited Kulpe to meet affected families and residents over the incident.
He updated the community on ongoing efforts by the Ghana Health Service and security agencies to address the situation and ensure the missing baby is found.
He urged calm, warned against attacks on health workers and facilities, and stressed that such actions would undermine healthcare delivery in the area.
“This is not a tribal issue nor political issue. It is a criminal act, and so it must be handled as such. A communal fight will not benefit any person, inciting people on social media will drive potential investors away from the community, distract farming activities, destroy school attendance and all other health care services”
Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea
Samuel Kaba Akoriyea warned that unrest in the community could negatively affect the posting of health workers to the area and urged residents to allow security agencies to handle the matter.
He stated that anyone found culpable would face severe punishment regardless of status, stressing that no health worker would be shielded from accountability.
He added that an independent committee had been set up and called for peace to allow investigations to proceed, amid ongoing police inquiries and related court proceedings over the disappearance.
Security Measures Tightened at Hospital
Samuel Kaba Akoriyea inspected the Salaga Municipal Hospital, including the maternity ward, to assess security improvements introduced after the incident.
He was briefed by the Acting Medical Superintendent on measures recommended by the police, including expanded CCTV coverage, stronger security arrangements, and the appointment of a retired security officer to enhance supervision.
He commended hospital management for implementing the recommendations and urged continued cooperation with investigators while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare delivery to residents.
National Focus on Patient Safety
Samuel Kaba Akoriyea chaired a Municipal Security Council meeting where security agencies updated him on ongoing investigations and efforts to trace the missing baby in Salaga.
The Ghana Health Service reaffirmed its commitment to supporting investigators, strengthening security in health facilities, and ensuring justice is served while working to reunite the child with the family.
The incident has sparked national discussions on maternity ward security, with authorities urging calm, public cooperation, and renewed focus on restoring trust in Ghana’s healthcare system through stronger patient safety measures.
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