The 27th General Assembly held by the Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana (TTAG) concluded with an urgent call to action on infrastructural development in the various colleges of education by the government.
The assembly, held from 3rd to 6th September 2023, brought together delegates under the theme “Shaping the Future of Teacher Training and Education; Prioritizing Infrastructural Development.”
In a show of gratitude in a communique released by the association on 25th September 2023, TTAG expressed their appreciation to the various institutions involved in teacher education and training in the country.
However, the communiqué drew an attention to a serious issue affecting the effectiveness of the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) programmes in the public Colleges of Education – infrastructural deficit.
See also: “They have moulded us as a pot from clay without polishing…”- TTAG National President
While acknowledging the government’s effort in the introduction of the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) programme in the forty-six (46) public Colleges of Education across the country, TTAG highlighted that the infrastructural deficit is hindering the effectiveness of the programme.
To address this pressing concern and ensure the smooth operation of the programme, TTAG recommended the following steps to be taken:
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Completion of 300-bed capacity hostels:
According to TTAG, the construction of hostels, initially scheduled to begin in May 2022, should be completed in various Colleges of Education as a means of mitigating the infrastructural deficit while the current system is managed.
Involvement of private entities:
TTAG also urged the goverment to urgently involve private entities in building hostels for the Colleges of Education, where fees can be subsidized for students.
Adding that, this would help alleviate the infrastructural challenges faced by the colleges.
Implementation of alternative systems:
Another recommendation from TTAG is the need for the colleges of education to adopt an in-in-out-out, in-out-out-in system and the implementation of the Day or Boarding status in Colleges of Education.
Non-governmental organizations to support:
TTAG also appealed to the government, alumni of various Colleges of Education, and non-governmental organizations to support infrastructure projects in these institutions.
Read: TTAG President Decries Impacts of CETAG Strike on Academic Calendar and Trainees
On Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE)
While acknowledging the National Teaching Council’s commitment to upholding excellence in the teaching profession, TTAG appealed to the NTC through the MOE to reconsider the decision to adjust the GTLE pass mark (mode of assessment) to 70%.
TTAG believes that a more balanced pass mark will maintain the examination’s integrity and provide deserving individuals with a fair opportunity to pursue their chosen profession.
TTAG recommended that the pass mark for the GTLE should be 50% and that learning resources and question banks on the GTLE should be provided to enable candidates to prepare adequately for the exams.
See: Maintain 50% Pass Mark for Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination-TTAG
On New Reform in Trainees’ Allowance
TTAG commended the Ministry of Education (MoE), Ministry of Finance (MoF), Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) for their great contribution towards the payment of trainees’ allowance.
Nevertheless, in the new adjustment in trainees’ allowance, TTAG appealed that there should be a policy document backing the payment of trainees’ allowance.
The association also asked for an increase in the allowance provided to trainees and an improvement in the quality of food served to them.
Read also: Students Loan Trust Fund Releases Breakdown of What Teacher Trainees Should Expect.
On Uniform Policy In Colleges Of Education:
The Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana (TTAG) also advocates for the implementation of the uniform policy in the public colleges of education across Ghana.
The association believes that wearing uniforms will aid college authorities in regulating trainees and maintaining discipline.
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The leadership of the Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana (TTAG) concluded their release by expressing their deep and sincere gratitude to the Delegates, Observers, and Former Officials who dedicated their time to attend the 27th General Assembly.