A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE.

The inception of the Nurses’ Training College, Pantang, can be traced back to a crucial period in Ghana’s medical history, specifically between 1888 and 1940, when mentally ill patients lacked the care of trained nurses. This dearth of specialized attention changed in 1940 when Mr. Sarbaha, a qualified registered nurse, was assigned to lead the Accra Mental Hospital, following his transfer from Korle-bu Hospital. His appointment marked a turning point in mental healthcare. Soon after, Mr. Kukuvi joined the hospital staff, and eventually, Mr. R.A. Pappoe succeeded Mr. Sarbah. Historically, the position of Matron at the hospital had been occupied by expatriate nurses, including Mrs. Champions, until the appointment of the first Ghanaian Matron, Mrs. Margaret Kumi. The pivotal year of 1946 witnessed the initiation of the Training of Qualified Registered Mental Nurses (QRMN) at Korlebu Hospital. Notably, the inaugural group of students comprised solely of men, who had previously served as discharged orderlies during the Second World War and gained experience working alongside Military nurses. Their entry into the field marked a significant milestone for mental health care in the country. The pioneering batch of Qualified Registered Mental Nurses successfully completed their training in 1951. Mrs. Simson, in 1948, commenced the registration of students with the QRMN certificate, a program that continued until 1981.

Expanding the horizons of nursing education in Ghana, the year 1963 witnessed the establishment of the post-basic department of nursing at the University of Ghana, generously supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This program offered diplomas in nursing education and nursing administration, producing distinguished graduates like Mr. L.L. Tamakloe, Mr. Twumasi, and Ms. Addy Acquah. Mr. L.L. Tamakloe’s journey continued in 1972 when he assumed the position of Principal at the Ankaful Enrolled Nursing School. His dedication and vision led to the formulation of a curriculum for the psychiatric affiliation course for State Registered Nurses (SRN), along with plans for the establishment of Registered Mental Nurse (RMN) programs, as well as Concentrated Combined SRN and RMN programs. Under his guidance, the RMN course for SRNs commenced at the Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital in 1974. Around the same time, between 1974 and 1975, community psychiatric nursing was pioneered at Accra Mental Hospital. Mrs. Julian Owusu initially headed the department, and later, Mr. Paul Addison took the reins through a British Technical program. Mrs. Lydia Okaine and Mr. Botchway were among the pioneers of community psychiatric nursing, playing crucial roles in spreading this specialized care throughout the nation.

In 1978, a significant development took place when 28 students enrolled in the two-year Qualified Registered Mental Nursing and Qualified Registered Nursing programs at Korle-Bu were selected to undertake their training at the newly established Nurses’ Training College, Pantang. The Pantang Hospital authorities, under the leadership of the late Dr. Sika Nartey, transformed one of the wards into a training school for this purpose. Notable students during this period included Mr. Asempa, Ms. Stella Coffie, and Florence Amegashie, among others. Mr. L.L. Tamakloe served as the principal, and he was supported by esteemed tutors such as Mr. Lovelace Amoah, Mr. Patterson, and Mrs. Akoaku Frimpong. As the years progressed, the college continued to evolve. In 1988, the program underwent a transformation, becoming a three-year certificate awarding course. Additionally, in line with the recast system, the college introduced the diploma program in 1999, further enhancing the quality of nursing education provided. Initially, lectures were held in the girls’ hostel, but in 2006, a dedicated classroom and administration block, known as Hajia Balchisu Iddrisu block, was constructed on the premises, named in honor of the former principal of the college, who had diligently served from 1994 to 2009.