Human rights group, Rise Ghana, is calling for a national dialogue and collective action against baby harvesting and trafficking activities in the country.
The group’s call follow a joint investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Medical and Dental Council (MDC) which resulted in the arrest of 11 health practitioners suspected to be engaged in the act.
The arrested persons include; two medical doctors, four nurses, two social workers, two mothers and a traditional birth attendant.
According to a joint statement released by EOCO and MDC, two new born baby boys were purchased from the baby harvesting and trafficking group for a total amount of Ghs 58,000.
Rise Ghana commending the EOCO and MDC for the investigation and subsequent arrests in a press release, noted that the ’emerging canker needs to be nipped in the bud’ to prevent future occurrences.
The group further called for the immediate punishment of the arrested suspects involved in the act and should not be left off the hook as it happens in some criminal cases.
Globally, an estimated 580 (approximately 5-8% of couples) million people experience infertility, with more than half, 372 million in lower and middle income countries. Africa has the largest burden of 10-32% of infertile couples.
Read below details of the press release:
Press Release EOCO Investigates Baby Selling by Fuaad Dodoo on Scribd