Suspects operating an alleged ‘baby-harvesting’ and child-trafficking syndicate at health facilities in Ghana have been arrested, following months of investigations. The BBC reports that the suspects include two medical doctors, four nurses, two mothers, two social welfare officers and a traditional birth attendant.

According to the BBC, Ghanaian authorities say some of the mothers may have been told their babies had died after delivery. Further, those who could not take care of their new born babies were allegedly urged to sell them.

Following a tip-off from a taxi driver last year, the Ghana Medical and Dental Council and the Economic and Organised Crime Office launched a joint investigation into the alleged baby harvesting.

The two doctors suspected have had their licenses suspended pending a court decision.

Meanwhile, two babies, who were sold to investigators for about $5 000 and $4 800 each, were also rescued.

Umm Muhammed Umar