The Ho School of Hygiene is facing significant infrastructure challenges that threaten both academic delivery and its accreditation status, even as it celebrates the graduation of students and matriculation of fresh entrants. The concerns were highlighted during a recent ceremony that brought together school authorities, graduates, and newly admitted students.

Since the establishment of the school in June, 1975 till date, the school continue to grapple with infrastructure to meet the huge number of applicants into the school. The school currently runs two programs, Certificate in Environmental Health, and Diploma in Environmental Health.

For the 2025/2026 academic year, the Diploma students population stands at 495 while that of the certificate program stands at 511 totally 1006 student population in the school.

Speaking at the graduation and matriculation ceremony, the Principal, Belo Seiwu, emphasised the institution’s core mandate of promoting health, preventing diseases, and improving sanitation in communities. He noted that environmental health professionals play a critical role in breaking the chain of infection and enhancing productivity, stressing that prevention remains a cornerstone of national health development.

However, he lamented that the school’s efforts are being undermined by persistent infrastructure deficits. According to him, the institution lacks adequate classrooms, a situation that continues to hinder its ability to expand academic programmes. He further revealed that the school is not fenced and that several development projects, including the 12-Unit classroom block GETFund initiative, have stalled since 2016 till date.

This when completed will ease the infrastructure burden on the school giving the students a conducive learning environment.

The Principal also raised concerns about the school’s laboratories, which he described as under-equipped. He explained that the lack of essential instruments limits practical training, including water and food sample testing, a key components of environmental health monitoring. 

These shortcomings, he added, have contributed to ongoing accreditation difficulties, as regulatory bodies require adequate facilities before granting approval.

Echoing similar sentiments, the valedictorian, Dorcas Gyan, described her initial disappointment upon arrival at the school due to the poor state of infrastructure. While commending tutors for their dedication, she stressed the urgent need for improved learning conditions, particularly in ICT and laboratory facilities, to enhance students’ academic experience.

She further underscored the importance of environmental health officers in Ghana’s healthcare system, noting that their preventive role is often overlooked in favour of curative services. She called on the government to prioritize the sector, arguing that effective disease prevention would significantly reduce the burden on hospitals and the cost of healthcare delivery.

Students also expressed concerns about overcrowded classrooms, inadequate water supply, lack of a dining hall, and insufficient sanitation facilities. Despite these challenges, many remained optimistic and grateful for the opportunity to pursue their education, pledging to excel academically while hoping for improvements in infrastructure and student welfare.

The issue of unemployment among graduates was also raised, with students highlighting delays in postings to district and municipal assemblies. School authorities revealed that discussions with the Local Government Service indicate plans to post thousands of graduates in the near future. They appealed to the government to expedite the process, stressing that investing in preventive health through environmental officers is essential to improving public health outcomes and reducing national healthcare costs.