Residents of Mankessim have voiced strong disappointment after the Mankessim Divisional Police reportedly failed to assist the Mfantseman Social Welfare Department in handling the case of a mentally unstable woman who gave birth in front of the former Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) office in Mankessim.
According to media reports, Social Welfare officer Brother Charles arrived at the scene around 9:00 a.m. to attend to both the newborn and the mother. However, attempts to transport them to a safe location were unsuccessful due to the absence of police support.
It was not until around 4:00 p.m. that the mother and child were finally conveyed to the Saltpond Municipal Hospital.
Eyewitnesses say the situation left both mother and child in a vulnerable state for hours. Journalists and some concerned residents at the scene were praised for stepping in to assist—helping to secure the baby and ensure the mother received at least some immediate care.
Residents have since called for better coordination between the police and social welfare authorities, especially in cases involving vulnerable individuals.
Source: NewsAfricaGhana.com
