UTNMG condemns alleged maltreatment, arrest of Krobo Nursing students

The Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG), has strongly condemned the reported maltreatment, intimidation and arrest of students of the Techiman Krobo Nursing and Midwifery Training College during a peaceful demonstration over concerns about their welfare and learning environment.

In a statement signed by its National General Secretary, Alavi Robert Kobla, the union described the reported treatment of the students as disturbing and called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The protest followed a demonstration by students of the college, who boycotted lectures and marched through the streets to demand the removal of the college principal.

According to reports by the Ghana News Agency, the students alleged poor management, inadequate feeding, lack of potable water, poor welfare conditions, shortages of learning materials and the collection of unapproved fees.

UTNMG said although school authorities and security agencies have a responsibility to maintain law and order, students also have a constitutional right to peacefully express legitimate concerns. It stressed that such concerns should be addressed through dialogue rather than intimidation or the use of force.

The union expressed sadness that trainee nurses and midwives, whose profession is built on compassion, respect and advocacy, reportedly experienced treatment that contradicted those values. While noting that the arrested students had since been released, UTNMG said the incident raises serious questions that require urgent attention.

The union therefore urged the Ministry of Health to institute an impartial investigation into the events that led to the protest and to engage all relevant stakeholders to restore confidence, protect students' welfare and ensure a lasting resolution of the matter.

UTNMG also appealed to its mother body, the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG), to engage the Ministry of Health, the management of the college and student representatives to facilitate constructive dialogue and bring the matter to a fair conclusion.

The union further called on students of the college to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while pursuing lawful means of resolving their grievances, assuring them of its continued support and commitment to defending the welfare, rights and dignity of trainee nurses and midwives across the country.

UTNMG reiterated that it remains committed to advocating for safe, respectful and conducive learning environments in all nursing and midwifery training institutions across Ghana.

Police have been reported to increase security at the college after the demonstration, while efforts by journalists to obtain the principal's response at the time were unsuccessful.