BY GRACE ZIGAH
The Ministry of Health has moved to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent unrest at the Nursing Training College in Techiman-Krobo by constituting a seven-member committee to establish the facts behind the disturbances and recommend measures to restore order at the institution.
The committee, chaired by Prof. Vida Nyagre Yekong, a Deputy Registrar at the Health Facilities Regulatory Authority, nurse and former Dean of the School of Nursing at the University for Development Studies (UDS), has been tasked to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the events that culminated in the temporary closure of the college.
Other members of the committee are Ahmed Bennett Mumuni, Human Resource Manager at the Bono East Regional Coordinating Council; Nana Asa Akon Panin, the Techiman-Krobohene; Hepthzebah Gyimah, Deputy Director of Operations representing the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC); Isha Sena Iddrisu, Secretary to the Conference of Heads of Health Training Institutions; Nashiru-Deen Akparibo, President of the Ghana Nurse-Midwife Trainees’ Association (GNMTA); and Dr. Inua Yussuf Issahaku, Legal Director of the Ministry of Health.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry and signed by its Spokesperson, Tony Goodman, on August 3, 2026, the committee has been mandated to establish the facts surrounding the disturbances, determine whether existing policies, administrative procedures and the institution’s code of conduct were adhered to, and submit recommendations to the Minister for Health for appropriate action.
The committee has been given until August 11, 2026, to submit its final report.
The latest intervention follows days of tension at the Nursing Training College after students staged demonstrations demanding the removal of the school’s principal, Ellen Dwamena over allegations of poor leadership, deteriorating welfare conditions and dissatisfaction with the administration of the institution.
The protests, which began peacefully, later escalated into clashes with security personnel after some demonstrators allegedly threw stones at police officers deployed to maintain order. Police reportedly responded by firing warning shots to disperse the crowd, while several students were arrested during the disturbances.
Videos circulating on social media captured scenes of students fleeing as gunshots rang out on campus.
Prior to the unrest, students had accused the college’s management of poor administration and alleged that they were being compelled to make separate payments for utilities despite such costs already being covered under their approved school fees.
Some students also alleged that the principal had made remarks they considered insensitive toward students from less privileged backgrounds, claims that fueled growing dissatisfaction on campus.
As the situation deteriorated, the Ministry of Health announced the indefinite closure of the institution, directing all students to vacate the campus while assuring parents, guardians and staff that efforts would be made to restore calm and resolve the issues before academic activities resume.
The Ministry explained that the closure became necessary after several meetings, counselling sessions and engagements with stakeholders failed to restore order, with some students allegedly continuing actions that disrupted academic activities and threatened the safety and security of the college community.
