Kwadaso S.D.A Nursing and Midwifery Training College matriculates 750 students

The Kwadaso S.D.A Nursing and Midwifery Training College has welcomed 750 freshers into its 2024/2025 academic year.

The matriculants comprise 226 midwifery students and 524 nursing students, selected from 2,863 qualified applicants.

The matriculation ceremony took place on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, under the theme: "Advancing Diploma Nursing and Midwifery Institutions to BSc in Nursing and Midwifery: The Role of Stakeholders." Currently, the college's total student population stands at 2,152 across its general nursing and midwifery programmes.

The college’s Board and Management have initiated processes to transition the institution to offering Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees in Nursing and Midwifery by the 2025/2026 academic year.

Speaking to the media, the college's Principal, Mr. Daniel Atta Tuffour, confirmed that the institution has already secured institutional accreditation, with programme accreditation for the BSc in Nursing and Midwifery in progress.

“Equipping students with advanced knowledge through BSc programmes will enhance their capacity to deliver high-quality nursing and midwifery care. Kwadaso SDA Nursing and Midwifery Training College is ready to kick-start, and whoever comes here for a degree programme will not be disappointed,” Mr. Tuffour assured.

Capping and Coating Ceremony
As part of the matriculation, a special capping and coating ceremony was held, where Prof. Stella Appiah, Associate Professor of Nursing Administration at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Valley View University, delivered the keynote address.

Prof. Appiah commended the college's efforts to upgrade to a BSc-level institution, describing it as a crucial step for the advancement of the profession.

“Advanced nursing and midwifery education is not just a requirement; it is a core value that shapes nursing and midwifery professionalism. It opens doors for exciting career opportunities within the profession. Advanced nursing degrees prepare licensed nurses for expanded roles in clinical practice, leadership, and more,” she stated.

Call for Accelerated Reforms
However, Prof. Appiah lamented that the transition to BSc-level education for nursing and midwifery institutions in Ghana is long overdue.

“Donkor and Andrew (2011) noted that nursing education in Ghana has made some progress, albeit minimal, compared to other African countries. Ghana, which established its first formal nursing school in 1945, should have achieved more by now,” she said.

Prof. Appiah highlighted Nigeria’s advancements as a model for Ghana. “Our immediate neighbour, Nigeria, began nursing education later than Ghana but has successfully implemented mandatory BSN-level education for nurses. This transition has significantly improved nursing competency, patient care quality, and professional development in Nigeria.”

She urged stakeholders to accelerate reforms, ensuring Ghana’s nursing and midwifery education meets international standards and adequately addresses the evolving needs of healthcare delivery.