By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu, GNA
Bolgatanga, June 6, GNA – Professor Vida Nyagre Yakong, the Deputy Registrar in charge of Operations of the Health Facilities Regulatory Authority (HeFRA), has called on government and stakeholders to support the Nursing Training College, Bolgatanga, to address its growing infrastructure challenges.
She expressed concern as a former student of the college that infrastructure development at the institution, had not kept pace with increasing student enrolment.
“As an alumnus, I feel much has not changed with infrastructural development of the college comparing to the current populations,” she stated.
Professor Yakong made these remarks as Special Guest of Honour when she addressed the matriculation ceremony for newly admitted students of the college.
According to her, the college urgently required lecture halls, hostel accommodation, sanitation facilities, transportation for academic activities, an administration block, a library, computer laboratories, and the renovation of ageing structures.
“It is very obvious that the college cannot solve these demanding challenges alone without the full participation of key stakeholders such as traditional leaders, political actors and alumni of this institution and other development partners,” she said.
The Deputy Registrar also raised concerns about the long-standing land dispute between the college and the Zaare community, where it is located, describing it as a major obstacle to development.
“Such relationships do not promote academic excellence. I call on all stakeholders to assist the college to solve this as a matter of urgency to accelerate development for the college,” the Professor said.
She used the occasion to appeal directly to government officials present at the event, including Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Regional Minister to champion the development needs of the institution.
“I used this opportunity to call on everyone to come to the aid of the college, for Bolgatanga Nursing Training College is the pride of the Region,” she remarked.
The HeFRA official linked infrastructure development to the broader goal of academic excellence, arguing that quality nursing education depended on adequate teaching and learning facilities.
She noted that conducive lecture halls, hostels, libraries, skills laboratories, and ICT facilities were essential requirements for producing competent health professionals capable of delivering quality healthcare services.
The Deputy Registrar made a passionate appeal for collective action to improve the college’s infrastructure.
“The college is in severe need for logistics, infrastructural development and many more. The road to the campus is a challenge and I was surprised to see it that way.
“I call on government, the parliamentary caucus of the region, development partners, alumni and the region to support the college to continue to offer quality training for our young ones who would care for us in the future,” she said.
The Professor recalled donating nursing textbooks to her alma mater in 2011, and encouraged others to contribute to its development, saying, “I believe that little drops of water fill an ocean.”
Commenting on national health sector reforms, she commended government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery, including the strengthening of regulatory frameworks, retooling of health facilities and the introduction of specialist nursing programmes.
Professor Yakong, however, cautioned nursing training institutions against admitting students beyond their approved capacities, “Colleges that admit students beyond their capacity and compromise quality training would no longer be acceptable,” she warned.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu