Ho Nurses Training College staff demand return of facilities from UHAS After 14 years

Staff of the Ho Nurses Training College have called on the government to ensure the return of several infrastructural facilities currently being used by the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS).

According to the staff, the buildings were temporarily handed over to UHAS when the university was established in 2012. At the time, the government directed that some facilities belonging to the nursing training college be used as temporary operational spaces for the newly created university.

However, more than a decade later, the staff say the facilities have still not been returned despite earlier assurances that they would be handed back once UHAS moved to its permanent campuses.

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Facilities still in use after 14 years

Speaking to reporters, a staff member of the college, James Awudi, said the properties were originally constructed to support teaching, learning and staff accommodation at the college.

He explained that the buildings include staff flats that have now been converted into student hostels by UHAS, lecture halls, office spaces, a library and three-bedroom self-contained bungalows intended for the college principal.

“These properties were originally built to support the effective functioning of the college and to provide accommodation and teaching space for staff and students,” Awudi said.

Staff say the situation is affecting the college

The aggrieved staff say the continued occupation of the facilities by UHAS is creating significant operational challenges for the college.

They argue that while the nursing training college struggles to find enough lecture halls and accommodation for its staff and students, the university is using the buildings to generate internally generated funds (IGF) through hostel operations.

“Whilst we, the rightful owners of these facilities struggle to accommodate our staff and secure lecture halls for our students, UHAS has converted our facilities into hostels, generating IGF,” Awudi added.

Protest after failed negotiations

On Tuesday, staff of the Ho Nurses Training College took to the streets in protest to draw public and government attention to the issue.

The demonstration follows several unsuccessful attempts by the staff to resolve the matter through dialogue. According to them, petitions have previously been submitted to relevant authorities and stakeholders but have not produced any concrete action.

During the protest, the staff presented another copy of their petition to representatives of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, who were present to receive it.

The protesters say they hope the latest action will prompt authorities to intervene and resolve the long-standing dispute over the facilities.