The Principal of Bolgatanga Nursing Training College (BNTC) has appealed to government, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders to help resolve a longstanding land dispute that continues to hamper infrastructure development at the institution.
Speaking during the matriculation ceremony for the college’s Diploma 28 students on May 4, 2026, Principal Winifred P. Wondong described the unresolved disagreement over portions of land surrounding the school as a major obstacle to the institution’s growth.
According to her, the dispute, involving some residents of Zaare, where the college is located, predates her tenure and has significantly limited the school’s ability to expand its infrastructure despite increasing student enrolment.
The college, which has earned a reputation for training nurses across Ghana, is struggling to accommodate growing student numbers, resulting in overcrowded facilities and competition for classroom space during lectures.
Ms. Wondong said the absence of clear ownership and control over the land has also created security concerns for both students and staff.
“This poses a serious security threat to students, staff, and the few school properties because there is unrestricted access through the school by riders, drivers and animals. The lack of land ownership poses developmental challenges,” she said.
Despite the challenges, she noted that the institution has made significant progress in recent years, including efforts to secure accreditation to introduce additional academic programmes that will provide prospective students with more training options.
A total of 272 students were matriculated during the ceremony.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Upper East Regional Minister, the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, heads of educational institutions, representatives of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, and other stakeholders.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Vida Yakong, Deputy Registrar of the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency, also called for improvements in the college’s infrastructure, describing inadequate facilities as one of the institution’s longstanding challenges.
She urged stakeholders to support the college’s development efforts to enable it to continue producing skilled healthcare professionals for the country.
School authorities expressed hope that resolving the land dispute would pave the way for infrastructure expansion, improved security, and enhanced teaching and learning conditions at the institution.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Jonathan Abugbilla | Bolgatanga
