Residents of Bamahu a community in the Wa Municipality were left reeling on Friday morning after cleaners at SEM‑B Lodge discovered the body of a male newborn wrapped in a black polythene bag on the premises along the Wa–Kumasi Road.
The discovery was made at about 8:00–8:30 a.m. when a cleaner who was clearing refuse noticed a heavy polythene bag behind the lodge. The cleaner tore part of the bag and, to her horror, saw what appeared to be the legs, fingers and toes of a baby. Colleagues and staff were alerted and confirmed the infant was male. Eyewitnesses later said the body showed early signs of decomposition.
Madam Fabiana, a cleaner at SEM‑B Lodge, described the moment to Yiri News as “devastating.” “While I was gathering the rubbish to burn, I noticed a very heavy polythene bag. I could not push it into the fire, so I tore part of it. To my shock I saw legs and called my colleagues,” she said.
Owner of SEM‑B Lodge, Mr. Paul Bangniyel, told Yiri News he received a call from staff at about 8:30 a.m. and immediately informed the Ghana Police Service. Police officers and an Environmental Health Officer later attended the scene to begin investigations and the proper handling of the remains.
Hon. Adams Yahaya Jiga, Assembly Member for the Bamahu Electoral Area, described the incident as “very unfortunate and heartbreaking.” He said it is the first time such a case has been recorded in the area since he assumed office and urged a thorough police inquiry to bring those responsible to justice. “We are all saddened and demand a thorough investigation,” he said.
Mr. Bangniyel said the lodge—operating for more than 15 years—has no history of similar incidents and that none of the staff live on the premises. He added he could not determine whether the newborn was abandoned by a resident or a passerby.
Community leaders are appealing to anyone with information to come forward to assist the police probe.
The Ghana Police Service has taken custody of the body and investigations are ongoing. Yiri News will provide updates as more facts emerge.
