The Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana (TTAG) has expressed its concerns about the current trainees’ allowance of GH₵ 400 and is calling on the government to increase it to GH₵ 800.
At a press conference held in Accra on 29th July, 2024, TTAG leadership highlighted the challenges faced by trainee teachers due to the meager allowance.
While acknowledging the government’s reintroduction of the allowance in 2017, TTAG emphasized that the economic hardships and rising cost of living necessitate a significant increase.
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According to them, the current amount falls short in meeting even the basic needs of trainees, including purchasing course materials.
TTAG also revealed that out of the GH₵ 400 allowance, GH₵ 200 is allocated to their principals (PRINCOF) for their feeding (Feeding Component).
The association added that this amount is insufficient, and the principals are struggling to provide trainees with three nutritious meals a day with just GH₵ 6.50. Therefore, an increment is urgently needed.
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Furthermore, TTAG highlighted the inadequate infrastructure in the various colleges of education.
They emphasized that the lack of laboratories, dormitories, libraries, and transportation for supported teaching in school programmes poses additional challenges for trainee teachers.
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They also urged the government to fulfill the needs of CETAG so that they can return to the classroom.
Calling for concrete actions, TTAG urged the government to address these pressing concerns promptly.
“We need actions, not assurances,” TTAG emphasized.