Students Demand Reopening Of Bawku Presbyterian Nursing College After Months-Long Closure

Students of the Presbyterian Nursing and Midwifery Training College in Bawku, Upper East Region, have been advocating for the institution’s reopening after a prolonged closure due to regional conflicts. The college has faced intermittent closures in recent years, notably in 2022 and 2025, as a response to security concerns.

In March 2025, officials from the Presbyterian Health Service engaged with the Minister of Health to discuss the possibility of reopening the college. They emphasized the importance of implementing adequate security measures to ensure the safety of students and staff. The Minister acknowledged the need for calm and assured that all necessary arrangements would be considered before resuming academic activities.

The Upper East Regional Coordinating Council has also expressed urgency in resuming operations at the nursing college. Regional Minister James Kwame Awuni highlighted the detrimental impact of the closure on nursing education and healthcare services in the area. He noted that the conflict has led to a significant reduction in patient admissions and outpatient visits at the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital, further straining the region’s healthcare delivery.

Despite these efforts, the Governing Board of the college has stated that the institution has not been entirely shut down but has taken measures to ensure the safety of students amid ongoing conflicts. They have relocated first-year students to the Bolgatanga campus to continue their studies, while second-year students remain at home, awaiting improved security conditions. The board emphasized that the college would reopen when it is safe, based on assurances from stakeholders in Bawku.

The students’ calls for reopening underscore the critical need for accessible nursing education and the broader implications for healthcare services in the region. As discussions continue among stakeholders, the community remains hopeful for a resolution that prioritizes both educational advancement and the safety of all involved.