By Grace Zigah
A major administrative scandal has erupted in the health training sector following the immediate suspension of the Principal of the Nurses and Midwifery Training College in Nalerigu, in the North East Region after preliminary investigations uncovered large-scale unauthorised admissions that allegedly violated national admission protocols and capacity regulations.
The decisive action was taken by the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, during his official working tour of the Upper East, North-East, and Northern Regions, where he was inspecting health facilities and training institutions as part of a broader assessment of service delivery and institutional governance.
According to information issued by the Ministry of Health, the Minister had earlier been briefed on reports of irregular and unauthorised admissions at the Nalerigu Nurses and Midwifery Training College.
Acting on the intelligence, he proceeded to personally visit the institution to verify the claims.
Following on-site engagements and preliminary findings, the Minister ordered the immediate suspension of the Principal, pending a full-scale investigation into the admissions process and the circumstances surrounding the alleged violations.
The controversy deepened after a video circulated showing the Minister addressing the administrative staff of the college.
In the footage, Akandoh disclosed that the Ministry had formally authorised the institution to admit 750 students for the academic year.
However, contrary to that directive, the Principal reportedly proceeded to admit 2,750 students — exceeding the approved quota by 2,000 students, a move that significantly breached institutional capacity limits and regulatory guidelines.
The Minister described the development as a serious abuse of authority and a direct violation of established admission procedures governing health training institutions across the country.
“This is not an administrative oversight; it is a clear breach of protocol,” the Minister stated, stressing that adherence to approved admission frameworks is non-negotiable within the health education system.
He further warned that any head of institution found engaging in unauthorised practices would face strict sanctions, regardless of status or position, as part of efforts to protect the integrity of health training and professional standards.
In an official press release signed by Isaac Ofei Baah, Head of the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the maintenance of high standards in all health training institutions nationwide.
