The Acting Deputy Registrar of the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA), Prof. Vida Nyagre Yakong, has raised concerns over what she describes as severe infrastructure challenges and a longstanding land dispute threatening the growth of the Bolgatanga Nursing Training College.
Speaking at the college’s 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony, Prof. Yakong said the institution, despite its reputation for academic excellence, lacks critical facilities needed to support its growing student population.
“As an alumnus, I feel much has not changed with infrastructural development of the college comparing to the current population,” she said.
According to her, the college urgently needs additional lecture halls, hostel accommodation, washroom facilities, transport for academic activities, an administration block, a library, a computer laboratory and the renovation of ageing structures.
She also called for the completion of projects that have remained abandoned for years.
Prof. Yakong further highlighted a longstanding land dispute between the institution and the Zaare community, warning that the situation continues to impede development efforts.
“Such relationships do not promote academic excellence,” she stated, urging stakeholders to help resolve the dispute as a matter of urgency.
The former Dean of the University for Development Studies (UDS) School of Nursing and Midwifery appealed to the Upper East Regional Minister, traditional authorities, political leaders, development partners and alumni to support the college.
“The college cannot solve these demanding challenges alone without the full participation of key stakeholders,” she said.
She described the institution as “the pride of the region” and called for collective efforts to improve infrastructure and learning conditions.
Prof. Yakong also lamented the poor state of the road leading to the campus.
“The road to the campus is a challenge and I was surprised to see it that way,” she added.
The Bolgatanga Nursing Training College is one of Ghana’s oldest nursing training institutions and has produced thousands of nurses and midwives serving across the country.
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