Omanghana
The Ministry of Health has ordered the immediate and indefinite closure of the Techiman Krobo Nursing and Midwifery Training College in the Bono East Region following days of student protests and worsening unrest on campus.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the ministry directed all students to leave the college premises by 5:00 p.m. the same day.
According to the ministry, the closure became necessary because of a breakdown in discipline, the prolonged disruption of academic activities and growing threats to the safety of students, staff and school property.
Students demand removal of principal and dean
The unrest began after students launched a protest demanding the removal of the college principal, Mrs Ellen Dwamena, and the dean.
Under the slogan “No New Principal, No Class,” the trainees declared an academic boycott and insisted that they would not return to lectures until changes were made to the institution’s leadership.
Students accused the administration of failing to address persistent academic and welfare problems affecting the campus.
Among their main complaints was an alleged absence of lectures nearly one month after the institution reopened. They also raised concerns about water shortages, limited access to potable water, unreliable electricity and poor sanitation.
The protesters further accused the administration of imposing additional utility charges even though they claimed such expenses were already included in approximately GH¢4,000 paid as school fees.
Concerns were also raised about catering services, with students alleging that both the quality of meals and the number of meals served daily had declined under the current administration.
Demonstration leads to clashes with police
The situation escalated after police officers were deployed to maintain order during the demonstration.
Videos circulated on social media appeared to show officers physically confronting and arresting some students. Witnesses also reported hearing gunshots, although the circumstances surrounding the alleged firing were not immediately clear.
The National Union of Ghana Students condemned the reported treatment of the trainees, describing the use of force against unarmed demonstrators as unacceptable.
NUGS subsequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police to order an independent investigation into the conduct of the officers involved. The union also called for urgent medical care and other forms of support for students who sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Attempts to restore order reportedly fail
The Ministry of Health said the closure followed unsuccessful attempts by school authorities and the Bono East Regional Security Council to restore calm.
Students were reportedly engaged through counselling sessions and appeals to end the protest. However, the ministry said the continued actions of some trainees made it impossible for normal academic and administrative work to resume.
The directive requires students to remain away from the institution until authorities determine that the campus is safe and conditions are suitable for teaching and learning.
Joint investigation announced
A joint monitoring team from the Ministry of Health and the Nursing and Midwifery Council is expected to visit the college to investigate the administrative, academic and welfare concerns raised by the students.
The team will also assess the conduct of the college’s management, examine conditions on campus and engage relevant stakeholders as part of efforts to resolve the dispute.
No reopening date has been announced. The ministry said further information would be communicated through official government channels after calm had been restored and the necessary corrective measures implemented.
Source: Omanghana
