The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) is demanding an immediate investigation into the alleged assault of students of the Techiman Krobo Nursing Training College by officers of the Ghana Police Service during a protest over deteriorating welfare conditions on campus.
The incident occurred on Monday, July 27, when students staged a demonstration to demand improved feeding arrangements, better sanitary conditions, and enhanced communication between college management and the Students’ Representative Council (SRC).
According to NUGS, the students resorted to the protest only after exhausting all internal channels to resolve their concerns with the school authorities.
The demonstration reportedly turned chaotic after some students allegedly threw stones at police officers, prompting the police to fire warning shots and arrest several protesters while attempting to disperse the crowd.
Videos circulating on social media captured students running for safety as gunshots rang out. The SRC Public Relations Officer later confirmed that all students arrested during the protest had been released.
In a statement signed by its President, Rashid Ibrahim, NUGS condemned what it described as the use of force against unarmed students exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
“The use of force against unarmed students who were peacefully expressing their concerns is unacceptable and has no place in a democratic society,” the statement said.
The student body is calling on the Inspector-General of Police to order a thorough and independent investigation into the incident and ensure that any officer found to have acted unlawfully is held accountable.
NUGS also urged the Ministry of Health and the management of Techiman Krobo Nursing Training College to provide medical care for any injured students and urgently address the welfare issues that sparked the demonstration.
The protesting students have complained about changes to feeding arrangements under the current principal, Ellen Dwamena. They allege that although they continue to pay feeding fees, meal provisions have been reduced compared to previous years. Some students have also called for the principal’s removal, accusing her of being insensitive to their welfare concerns.
Below is the statement:
