The Goaso Nursing and Midwifery Training College has marked its 14th anniversary with the admission of a total of 694 students to pursue various programmes for the 2023/24 academic year.
It was established in 2010 with 43 students to train as midwives, specifically nurses assistants in clinical and preventive settings (NAC) and (NAP ), in order to close the accessibility gap in the distribution of Healthcare professionals within and outside of the then Brong Ahafo region.
With the aim of fulfilling the vision of becoming a top ranked nursing and Midwifery training college, the Goaso Nursing and Midwifery training college introduced diploma programmes in Midwifery and General Nursing in 2013 and 2015 respectively.
It is now noted for academic excellence, discipline and professionalism based on strategic planning to become one of the top institutions in the catchment area and beyond from 43 students in 2010 to 1,348 students.
Its contribution to the nation’s nursing and Midwifery workforce through quality teaching and learning and thus providing skilled training to the students is enormous.
The college is affiliated to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
Mr. Samuel Ansu Frimpong, the Principal of the College had suggested expansion in facilities to provide more potential candidates with the chance to pursue their career interest in Nursing and Midwifery.
As a result, the management committee, with the support of stakeholders association of the college has completed a 5-unit storey lecture block, a 2-unit classroom block and a 110-bed capacity hostel block to ease the accommodation challenges.
The stakeholders have also constructed a 90-bed capacity hostel facility to augment the effort of the management committee in resolving the issue of accommodation.
Mr Ansu Frimpong disclosed that the college has also expanded the (ICT) lab for easy access from an initial 54 computer capacity to 116 computer capacity ICT lab to help students with the professional licensure examination, which are done online.
He mentioned challenges facing the College as inadequate accommodation for students and staff, inadequate lecture theatres, inadequate transport facilities and the need for more tutors in specialized fields to man the new programmes.
He hinted that the college has maintained its position as a top nursing and Midwifery education provider following outstanding results in the annual licensure and KNUST terminal examination in which 156 (99%) out of 157 students presented for the 2023 KNUST terminal examination were successful, with 11 distinctions in General Nursing.
The class had 74 .5% in the NMC licensure examination.
The Principal said the registered midwifery students, which included the post NAP/ NAC Midwifery students totalling 180 students were presented for both examinations.
In 2023 the class had 92% in the KNUST terminal examination and 94.7% in the NMC licensing examination.
Mr Ansu Frimpong has, therefore, tasked the students to honour the tenets of the Matriculation oath and to be guided by the regulations contained in their student’s handbook
He urged them to be of good behaviour and be obedient to the principle and all to whom their respect is required. He was delighted that they have joined them and are now part of college community.
He stressed that, discipline was critical in the school and that students must always study diligently attending all lectures on time as required to reduce the tendency to engage in examination malpractice. According to him, it takes good time management to combine extracurricular activities and academic work and should always dress appropriately both on and off campus.
He implored the students to always think soberly about the words of the Matriculation oath “that you have taken today and to follow these guidelines to succeed.”
The Principal, Ansu Frimpong, expressed appreciation to the Omanhene of Goaso Traditional area, Nana Kwasi Bosomprah I, the Member of Parliament and the Municipal Chief Executive for Asunafo North Municipal Assembly for supporting the school in diverse ways.
He was also thankful to the Stakeholders Association and Mrs. Joyce Oduro of Enirob Pharmaceutical Company for donating a Sprinter Benz bus to facilitate transportation in the College.
The Omanhene of Goaso Traditional Area and President of Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, on his part appealed to the government through the Ministry of Health to, as a matter of urgency, provide a vehicle to the Goaso Midwifery and Nurses College to serve as a relief to the students.
The chief lamented that students are going through a lot when it comes to field trips, while those who could not have access to dormitories on campus are not having easy to get on campus
He lauded the Management for maintaining the school’s current state.
According to him, the Goaso Nursing Midwifery Training College, which started with 49 students, could now boast of over 1300 students, which he said required additional infrastructural expansion.
According to him, he collaborated with the then Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and the leaders of the Presbyterian Church for the establishment of the college, which is now yielding good results
The Omanhene stressed the need for a new School Bus that could convey the students round the various communities and to bring nurses to the hospital.
He advised the students to take their studies seriously devoid of immoral lifestyle and unwanted pregnancies that could endanger their aspirations to become professional health workers.
He also called on parents to always take keen interest in their wards education and collaborate with teachers to bring the good out of them to become responsible adults.
