Bolgatanga: Professor Vida Nyagre Yakong, the Deputy Registrar in charge of Operations of the Health Facilities Regulatory Authority (HeFRA), has made a public appeal to the government and stakeholders to address the infrastructure challenges faced by the Nursing Training College in Bolgatanga. As a former student of the college, Professor Yakong expressed concern over the lack of development in infrastructure despite the increase in student numbers.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Yakong highlighted the urgent need for essential facilities such as lecture halls, hostel accommodations, sanitation facilities, transportation for academic activities, an administration block, a library, computer laboratories, and the renovation of existing structures. She emphasized that these developments are necessary to keep up with the growing student population and argued that the college cannot tackle these issues alone. She called for the involvement of traditional leaders, political figures, alumni, and development partners to help resolve these challenges.
Professor Yakong also addressed a land dispute between the college and the Zaare community, labeling it a significant barrier to the institution's progress. She urged all stakeholders to resolve the dispute promptly to facilitate the college's development. Her plea was directed towards government officials present at the event, including Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Regional Minister, to champion the development needs of the institution.
The HeFRA official linked the improvement of infrastructure to the broader goal of achieving academic excellence, noting that quality nursing education relies heavily on adequate teaching and learning facilities. She mentioned that suitable lecture halls, hostels, libraries, skills laboratories, and ICT facilities are crucial for producing competent health professionals capable of delivering quality healthcare services.
Professor Yakong made a passionate appeal for collective action to improve the college's infrastructure, emphasizing the urgent need for better logistics and development. She recalled her past contribution of nursing textbooks to the college in 2011 and encouraged others to support its advancement. In her remarks, she acknowledged government efforts in national health sector reforms and stressed the importance of adhering to approved student capacities to maintain quality training in nursing institutions.