The Principal of Zuarungu Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Tirah Haruna, has blocked a planned mentorship programme by the Tertiary Students Confederacy of the New Patriotic Party (TESCON), citing his refusal to allow external facilitators on campus.

The programme, which had been scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, was abruptly cancelled on Friday, March 27, following a directive from the principal.

According to sources, the decision came after Mr. Haruna stated that no external mentors or facilitators would be permitted to participate in activities within the college under his leadership.

Attempts by our reporter to seek clarification from Mr. Haruna were unsuccessful. When contacted via phone, he declined to provide further details, stating that he owed no one an explanation. “If people want to know, they can contact the Ministry of Health. Should I give you my boss’s numbers to ask them?” he responded.

The last-minute cancellation has drawn strong reactions from TESCON members and party officials, particularly given that the group had spent months organising the event. 

The programme was expected to provide mentorship and guidance to students, making its sudden suspension a significant setback for organisers and participants alike.

Reacting to the development, the Upper East Regional Youth Organiser of the NPP, Salahu-Deen Musah, expressed shock and disappointment. 

He confirmed that the principal had explicitly refused to allow guests onto the campus and had directed that the programme could not be held on the school premises.

“Consequently, he has denied permission for the programme to proceed as planned, resulting in its postponement until further notice,” Musah stated.

He further revealed that several regional party officers had engaged the principal in an attempt to resolve the matter, assuring him that the programme did not violate any regulations governing nursing training institutions.

Despite these interventions, Mr. Haruna reportedly remained resolute in his decision, insisting that the event would not be allowed to take place. This stance has raised concerns among stakeholders, particularly as TESCON has previously organised similar programmes within the institution without encountering such resistance.

Musah questioned the rationale behind the principal’s decision, asking, “What is he afraid of?” He also disclosed that the NPP’s National Youth Wing is considering further action.

“The National Youth Wing has issued a notice indicating its intention to protest this dictatorial action to its logical conclusion,” he added.

The incident has sparked broader discussions about administrative authority, student engagement, and political activity within educational institutions, with many observers calling for clarity and dialogue to resolve the impasse.