West Gonja MCE Calls for Public Support for Abandoned Baby in Damongo

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of West Gonja, Hon. Yakubu Yussif Castro, has called on the public to rally support for a newborn baby who was abandoned and later rescued from a refuse dump in Damongo, the Savannah Regional capital.

Hon. Castro visited the baby, who is currently receiving care at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of St. Anne’s Hospital, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Speaking to Kasha News after the visit, the MCE said the case was brought to his attention by the Social Welfare Department of the West Gonja Municipal Assembly.

He noted that the assembly promptly mobilized and provided essential supplies for the baby’s care but stressed the need for continued support.

“After providing the initial items, there’s still the need for follow-up to help decide the next steps for the welfare of the child. This is our collective social responsibility,” he stated.

Hon. Castro appealed to stakeholders, civil society organizations, traditional authorities, government agencies, and the general public to extend assistance to both the hospital and whichever home the baby will be placed in after discharge.

Dr. Nelson, Medical Director of St. Anne’s Hospital, confirmed that the baby was admitted to the NICU on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

He explained that the baby was at risk of infections due to being abandoned with the umbilical cord still attached. However, the child is responding well to treatment.

“The challenge is that since the baby has no mother, he requires formula feeding, which is costly, in addition to clothing, diapers, and other needs. These are beyond what the hospital can provide alone,” Dr. Nelson said.

He described the baby as a “survivor,” emphasizing that surviving the ordeal was a sign of resilience and a hopeful future.

He assured that any support extended would be used transparently and for the baby’s well-being.

Both the MCE and the hospital authorities are urging the public to contribute in any way possible to ensure the child’s survival and proper care.