At least 900 female students of the Northern School of Business (NOBISCO), who lost their valuables in a fire outbreak that razed the girls’ dormitory last Wednesday, have been directed to go home for one week while authorities take measures to provide alternative accommodation.
The decision followed a meeting between the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Ali Adolf John Mburidiba, and the Ghana Education Service (GES) Regional Directorate on Wednesday.
Mr Mburidiba told journalists after the meeting that the school authorities had been directed to relocate final-year students, while arrangements were being made to ensure that academic activities were not disrupted.
He also assured the school authorities that he would liaise with relevant organisations to help restore the school to normalcy.
The fire incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday while students were in class. The cause of the outbreak has not yet been identified.
The blaze caused extensive damage to the dormitory, destroying mattresses, trunks, uniforms, books, and other essential learning materials belonging to the students.
The Public Relations Officer of the Northern Regional Ghana National Fire Service, Assistant Divisional Officer Grade I Hudu Baba, said his outfit received a distress call and responded promptly.
He explained that the building was engulfed by an intense fire but firefighters were able to bring the situation under control.
Although no casualties were recorded, he said many students were traumatised and collapsed upon hearing news of the fire outbreak.
According to him, affected students who collapsed were conveyed to nearby health facilities by fire service personnel, where they received medical attention and counselling.
The Senior House Mistress of the school, Mrs Andaratu Iddrisu, described the incident as “unfortunate and devastating,” noting that all affected students lost their personal belongings in the fire.
She appealed to the Ministry of Education, philanthropists, old students, and benevolent organisations to support the school in rehabilitating the damaged facility and assisting the affected students.
BY ROM YAHAYA NUHU, TAMALE
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