The Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana (TTAG) has issued a strong call for the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF) to reassess the fees for the 2024/2025 academic year.
According to the association, they have noted with concern the substantial increase in school fees for the 2024/2025 academic year and the need for it to be reviewed by stakeholders.
This was made known in a communiqué and resolution issued after their 28th Annual General Assembly, held at Tamale College of Education from November 1st to 4th, 2024, under the theme “Prioritizing Long-term Initiatives in Colleges of Education and Bridging Policy with Practice: The Role of Stakeholders”.
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TTAG stated that the fees are high and should be reconsidered to help alleviate the burden on students, specifically the final-year students.
“The Assembly noted with concern the substantial increase in school fees for the 2024/2025 academic year. We urge a reassessment, particularly to alleviate the burden on final-year students,” stated the communiqué.
TTAG explained that final-year students, in particular, are not residing on campus but must find their own accommodations and feed themselves due to the new in-out-in-out residential policy.
Therefore, high fees for the academic year have placed a financial burden on them, as they have to find money to pay for rent as well as their fees, which is a burden.
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They are therefore urging GTEC, PRINCOF, and the mentoring universities to review and adjust the fees for the academic year to alleviate the financial strain on teacher trainees.
“We urge GTEC, PRINCOF, and mentoring universities to review and adjust the school fees for the 2024/2025 academic year and beyond to alleviate the financial burden on Teacher Trainees.”
In a related development, PRINCOF has postponed the reopening of colleges of education for Level 100, 200, and 300 students from November 18th, 2024 to January 13th, 2025.
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However, final-year students are required to report to their stations for their macro teaching activities as required by the Bachelor of Education programme.