The Techiman-Krobo community in the Bono East Region has threatened to organise a massive demonstration if authorities attempt to reinstate the Principal of the Techiman-Krobo Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Hellen Dwamena, without first addressing concerns raised by students and residents.
General Secretary of the Techiman-Krobo Youth Association, Gyan Isaac Kentinka, said frustration was mounting over the delay in releasing the report of a committee set up by the Health Ministry to investigate the issues surrounding the institution.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Kentinka said the community had initially planned to engage the District Chief Executive (DCE) before approaching the Health Minister, but increasing pressure from students, residents and other stakeholders had made the situation more difficult.
“We haven’t been to the minister because we first wanted to engage the DCE,” he said.
“But the kind of pressure coming from the community, students and all sectors is high. I don’t even sleep,” he added.
According to him, the prolonged closure of the school was taking a toll on students, who remain uncertain about their academic future.
“The children are suffering, and the committee assured us that the work will be completed by August 11, and that is why the community suspects that the delay is to cover up certain things,” Mr Kentinka said.
He said the failure to release the findings had fuelled suspicion among residents, who want clarity on the outcome of the investigation and the future of the institution.
Community threatens protest
Mr Kentinka also alleged that the Principal has about a year left before retirement and wants to complete her service at the institution.
“We are hearing the woman has just one year before retirement, and she wants to complete her service here, but we will not allow that,” he stated.
He warned that any attempt to reinstate the Principal without resolving the concerns raised could trigger a much larger demonstration than the one previously organised by the students.
“If they force her on us, the demonstration that will be held by the entire community will be massive than what the students did,” he warned.
The comments come amid growing tensions following the closure of the Techiman-Krobo Nursing and Midwifery Training College after students protested against the management of the institution.
The Health Ministry subsequently established a committee to investigate the concerns raised by the students and the community.
Stakeholders are awaiting the committee’s findings to guide decisions on the reopening of the school and the future of its management.
Mr Kentinka is calling for the report to be released and for the concerns of students and residents to be addressed before any decision is taken on the reopening of the institution.
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