The Birth and Growth of Assinman Nursing and Midwifery Training College
The vision of establishing a Nursing and Midwifery Training College in Assin dates back to 2009-2016, during the leadership of two former Municipal Chief Executives, Hon. Alex Dewise Antwi-Boasiako and Hon. Dr. Kofi Blankson, of the then Assin North Municipal Assembly. Their goal was to support the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA) and contribute towards achieving Millennium Development Goal 5, a cause championed by former First Lady, Her Excellency Ernestina Naadu Mills.
A 24-member committee was formed to lay the groundwork. A grand durbar, chaired by His Royal Majesty Ehunabobirim Prah Agyensaim VI, brought together chiefs from Effutuakwa, Owirenkyiman, and Assin North. Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, MP for Assin Central, attended this event. Despite initial donations and efforts, the project stalled at that time.
In 2017, Hon. Nicholas Kofi Baako, the newly appointed Municipal Chief Executive of Assin Fosu, reignited the mission. He was introduced to Mrs Ophelia Nkrumah Johannes, a tutor at Sefwi Wiawso Nursing and Midwifery Training College, by Chairman Mr Kwasi Kodie through Mr Charles Lartey. Hon. Baako engaged the District Chief Executives of Assin North and Assin South, Hon. Charles Ohene Andoh and Hon. Derrick Owusu Ambrose, who embraced the initiative. The Apemanim and Attandansu Traditional Councils and the three MPs of the region were also brought on board.
A reconstituted steering body, the “Nananom Committee,” was formed. It included:
– Key representatives from the four Paramountcies: Nana Konagye Ampaw II, Nana Dua Ampong Sarkwa II, Nana Ewusi Fori II, and Nana Kutin Amoah III
– Municipal and District Chief Executives
– Institutional heads, including Dr. Anthony Baabereyir (Principal of Foso College of Education) and Mr. Benjamin Amoako (Director of Health Services)
– Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Hon. Rev. Ntim Fordjour, and Hon. Abena Durowaa Mensah
The committee was chaired by Hon. Baako and steered by Mrs. Ophelia Nkrumah Johannes, with strong backing from Queen Mother Nana Afransie V, acting President of the Effutuakwa Traditional Council.
The committee designed a strategic roadmap, selecting the name Assinman Nursing and Midwifery Training College. They engaged with key institutions including the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the University of Cape Coast (UCC), and the Ministry of Health (MOH). Despite challenges in accreditation, affiliation, finances, and resistance from certain quarters, the committee persevered with support from Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
After considering options including New Town Senior High School at Assin Juaso, the committee settled on Mr. Kofi Ampomah’s facility at Konsontre Canaan. Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong covered the rent with an initial payment. Hon. Abena Durowaa Mensah completed the library, while Hon. Rev. Ntim Fordjour furnished the hostels. The three MMDCEs and Coordinating Directors committed GH¢10,000 each from their common funds, and the chiefs of the four paramountcies also contributed financially.
Hon. Baako and Mrs Ophelia Nkrumah Johannes led a tireless campaign, visiting radio stations, churches, and market centres to raise awareness and solicit donations. Numerous individuals and institutions stepped forward to support the project.
On October 11, 2019, the dream materialised with the official opening of Assinman Nursing and Midwifery Training College. The joy was palpable throughout the Assin community.
From its initial 135 students, the college has grown to a student body of 1,500, a testament to its success and the community’s support.
The college stands as a monument to perseverance, collaboration, and the transformative power of education. It serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring healthcare professionals and a source of pride for the entire Assin community.
Mission
To train highly skilful, competent, and practically oriented health professionals to provide quality healthcare to the nation.
Vision
To become the centre of excellence for training health professionals, responsive to healthcare needs.
Core Values
Discipline
Hard work
Integrity
Humility