By Godfred A. Polkuu
Bolgatanga, Nov. 6, GNA – Madam Christiana Amalba, the Principal of the Midwifery Training College in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, says management is poised to produce competent polyvalent health professionals to meet the health needs of society.
She said management would continue to ensure that the calibre of midwives from the College were endowed with knowledge generated through research.
“Our focus is not solely on academic success, but also on character development, fostering creativity and nurturing your passions,” she told fresh students at the 19th matriculation ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic year.
The ceremony was on the theme: “Embracing the art and science of midwifery; educating the future with knowledge and skills. We care, we support, we empower.”
Madam Amalba, disclosed that 217 students out of 536 applications received were admitted for the academic year, and said the figure underscored the competitive nature of the admissions at the College, which reflected the high demand for quality education in midwifery.
“Unfortunately, we often face the difficult decision of declining many qualified candidates due to limitations in our staff and facilities, regarding student accommodation,” the principal said.
She said midwives had historically played indispensable roles in maternal and child health and told the fresh students that “As future midwives, you will be at the forefront of this critical field, offering care, support and guidance to countless families during one of life’s most profound transitions.”
She said their responsibility would encompass not only the physical aspects of childbirth, but also the emotional and psychological support that women and families increasingly sought, “The trust placed in you by expectant mothers is a testament to the respect and dignity associated with this vocation.”
She acknowledged the dedication, commitment and efforts of tutors and other staff of the College in nurturing and educating students, and said their efforts made the College a beacon of excellence.
Madam Amalba announced the initiation of a four-year degree programme soon to be started by the College, and appealed to interested parties; investors, business owners, alumni and stakeholders within and outside the Region to support to provide additional hostels and classrooms.
Dr Helen Akolgo-Azupogo, the Chairperson of the College’s Advisory Board, from its establishment in the 1950s, it had worked hard to become one of the very few recognized centres of excellence in Ghana.
She called on stakeholders to assist the College to solve its infrastructure deficit to accommodate the growing number of students and advised the fresh students to take their studies seriously, saying “Your studies should be your prime goal.”
Alhaji Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper East Regional Minister, in a speech read on his behalf, congratulated the students on their admission, and told them that the midwifery profession was a calling with profound responsibilities, standards and strong sense of public service.
He said the midwifery profession required selflessness, compassion, empathy and commitment to the well-being of others, which was beyond just learning technical skills on maternal and child health, to developing deep commitment to patient-centered care.
“As midwives in the making, compassion will be your greatest tool. You will encounter patients from all walks of life, each with their unique stories and needs; of which you are to approach each with empathy and understanding.
“Your ability to listen, comfort, and support will make the lasting impact on their healing process,” the Minister told the students.
GNA