Information gathered by Coleman Publications reveals that a crucial meeting was recently held at the AH Hotel in Accra.
The meeting focused on several pressing issues concerning teacher trainees’ feeding component refund and their allowance payments.
It was attended by key stakeholders including the Ministry of Education (MoE), the Principals Conference of Ghana (PRINCOF), the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), and the Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana (TTAG).
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Feeding Component Refund
During the meeting, PRINCOF admitted that the 6-month feeding components for level 400 students have been credited to their accounts.
For the first semester, trainees received GHC 8.00 per day for a total of 120 days, resulting in a refund of GHC 960.00.
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However, there are ongoing discussions regarding the deducted GHC 6.50 for the first two months, with a complimentary payment from GTEC that raised the daily amount to GHC 8.00.
The Minister of Education proposed that PRINCOF shares this proposal with its members for reconsideration.
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It was noted that Stakeholders will reconvene again within the week to make a final decision.
It was also emphasized that PRINCOF should issue a letter for the refunding of the feeding component to begin in the various colleges as soon as possible, with confirmation that this will be done within the week.
Allowance Increment
Despite the proposal for an increment in trainees’ allowances, the Minister of Education stated that the government cannot consider this request due to the upcoming election.
He noted that the government cannot consider budget adjustments until after elections, leaving the request on hold temporarily.
Payment of Allowance
It has been confirmed that the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) currently holds two months’ arrears, which are expected to be disbursed very soon.
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Direct Payment of Allowance to Level 400 Teacher Trainees
A proposal was made for the direct payment of allowances to Level 400 students.
While the idea received a favorable response, it was clarified that students must settle their school fee debts prior to the commencement of Level 400, as principals rely on these funds to manage outstanding payments.
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Stakeholders are hopeful for effective resolutions that will enhance the conditions and support available to teacher trainees across the country.
