The Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC), chaired by Regional Minister Alhaji Ali Adolf John, has directed the partial closure of the Northern School of Business (NOBISCO), instructing specific categories of students to return home in the wake of a fire outbreak on campus.
The decision follows a Wednesday afternoon blaze that completely destroyed the school’s girls’ dormitory.
Announcing the directive, Alhaji Ali Adolf John said the move was unavoidable given the circumstances. “Looking at the circumstances surrounding us, we have no option but to ask all second-year students to go home,” he stated.
He added that “Third-year students who are heavily affected will also go home. The remaining third-year students will be moved into the second-year dormitory.”
Outlining the return schedule, the Regional Minister said, “Third-year students will return by Sunday. The rest of you will return on the 8th of February.”
The decision was taken after a rapid assessment revealed extensive damage caused by the fire, which gutted the dormitory accommodating students from the Aggrey, Arthur, Ali, and Gbewaa houses.
Despite efforts by the Ghana National Fire Service to contain the inferno, the building and nearly all its contents were destroyed. Items lost include beds, mattresses, books, uniforms, and other personal belongings.
No casualties were recorded, as the fire broke out while students were in class. However, some distressed students reportedly rushed back toward the burning structure in attempts to retrieve their belongings as the flames spread.
The directive is aimed at addressing the immediate accommodation crisis and easing the emotional trauma of affected students, while longer-term remedial measures are planned.
School authorities and regional officials are now focused on implementing the relocation plan, investigating the cause of the fire, and preparing for the students’ phased return.
