The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has disclosed that an outstanding GH¢159.97 million in teacher trainee allowances for the 2023/2024 academic year remains unpaid.
The Commission estimates the student population in the 47 colleges of education for that academic year to be 68,792.
Each student receives GH¢400 for eight months, totaling GH¢220.13 million. Including the allowances for the 2023/2024 academic year, the outstanding amount reaches GH¢380.11 million.
Speaking at the 15th congregation of Akatsi Training College of Education (AKATSICO) in the Volta Region last Friday, the Director-General of GTEC, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, disclosed the unpaid allowance issue.
“It is ironic how the heads of colleges of education manage to provide three square meals a day for each student at the cost of GH¢8,” Prof. Abdulai remarked, adding, “I wonder how they perform such magic.”
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Prof. Abdulai emphasized the need for a discussion on the sustainability of the teacher trainee allowances and feeding grants, highlighting the forthcoming National Education Reform starting Feb 18, 2025, as an opportunity to address the issue.
He also commended Dr. Felix Kwame Kumedzro on his appointment as the Principal of AKATSICO and pledged GTEC’s support for the college’s growth.
Graduation Ceremony Highlights
At the ceremony, 362 students graduated, including 105 upper primary category teachers and 265 junior high school education teachers.
Among them, 47 secured First Class Honours, 216 obtained Second Class Upper, and 83 attained Second Class Lower.
Fourteen students received Third Class, while one student recorded a pass.
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Dr. Kumedzro’s Inaugural Speech
In his inaugural speech, Dr. Kumedzro, who is also a researcher, pledged to work honestly to elevate AKATSICO to higher levels.
He emphasized the importance of investing in technical and vocational education for sustainable development.
“It is vital to resource technical colleges of education to train teachers specifically for technical and vocational schools,” Dr. Kumedzro noted.
Dr. Kumedzro outlined the challenges facing AKATSICO, including the need for a health facility, adequate furniture, expanded infrastructure, and an ICT center.
He is a member of several educational associations, including the International Association of Special Education Teachers and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG).
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Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Education
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Prof. Isaac Boateng, highlighted the importance of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within educational institutions.
“Transforming technical education requires integrating cutting-edge technologies and adapting curricula to meet industry needs,” Prof. Boateng pointed out.
He added that universities and technical colleges could provide mentorship, funding opportunities, and resources to help students turn their ideas into successful businesses.
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AKATSICO was founded in 1963 with the first batch of 42 male students and became a co-educational institution in 1967.
In the 2004/2005 academic year, the college transitioned from a certificate-awarding institution to a diploma-awarding college.
Currently, AKATSICO offers a four-year Bachelor of Education Degree program.
