The Techiman-Krobo Nursing and Midwifery School in Ghana's Bono East region is expected to reopen in the coming weeks after months of closure. The school was shut down following a demonstration by students over concerns at the institution. According to Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, Tony Goodman, efforts to resolve the issues that triggered the students' protest had progressed significantly, paving the way for the phased reopening of the school.
A committee set up to investigate the concerns presented its report to the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who subsequently directed that the findings be taken back to the community for further input. The committee engaged a wide range of stakeholders, including traditional leaders, teachers, youth groups, students, and the security councils. This led to the identification of broader institutional challenges that needed to be addressed before students could safely return to campus.
The engagements exposed issues with the governance structure, grades being sold, and the Student Representative Council (SRC) lacking a structure. Steps are being taken to strengthen the rules governing conduct at the school, including the development and implementation of a handbook to guide the behaviour and actions of students and staff. This move aims to restore order and ensure a smooth academic transition.
As part of the preparations for reopening, training for teaching and non-teaching staff began on Monday. The school will reopen in phases to allow the authorities to restore order and ensure a smooth academic transition. The phased approach is intended to ensure the smooth rollout of the academic calendar while maintaining peace and order on campus.
The phased reopening will see first-year students report first, followed by second-year students the next week, and finally third-year students. This approach will enable the school to manage the return of students effectively. The Ministry of Health temporarily closed the institution on July 29, 2026, following unrest and the breakdown of discipline on campus.
The decision to close the school was taken after persistent disturbances and violations of the institution's rules and regulations despite several interventions aimed at restoring calm. The Ministry has since worked to address the concerns raised by students and ensure that the institution is safe for students to return.
With the reopening of the school, the Ministry of Health aims to restore academic activities and provide a stable learning environment for students. The institution plays a critical role in training healthcare professionals in the region, and its closure had significant implications for the healthcare sector.
Key points
- The school was closed due to student protests over concerns at the institution.
- A phased reopening approach will be adopted to ensure a smooth academic transition.
- Training for teaching and non-teaching staff has begun as part of the preparations for reopening.
