Newborn 16-year-old mother detained over unpaid hospital bill

A 16-year-old mother and her newborn baby boy are being detained at the VRA Hospital in Akosombo in the Eastern Region over an unpaid hospital bill of 2,528.40 Ghana cedis.

The young mother, who became pregnant under difficult circumstances and was abandoned by the teenage father, faced her pregnancy with little support after being evicted by her sister, with whom she had been living.

She has since been accommodated by a Good Samaritan in the Akosombo community, who has been caring for her throughout her antenatal period.

A few days ago, she was admitted to the VRA Hospital, but complications during labor necessitated a cesarean section.

Fortunately, she successfully delivered a healthy baby boy.

However, the inability to settle the medical bill has led to the detention of the new mother and her child.

Community member Reindolf Botchway has launched an appeal for financial support to settle the bill and secure their release.

He stated that background checks clearly indicate that the young mother comes from a very poor family and is unable to pay the bill.