"Increase Trainees' Allowance to GH¢600.00 – TTAG And Urgent Need for Timely Disbursement of Feeding Grants in Colleges of Education"

 The Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana (TTAG) is appealing to the government to raise the monthly allowance for teacher trainees from GH¢400.00 to GH¢600.00.

This call was made by the association's President, Jephthah Nana Kwame Sefah, during a press conference held by the association on November 29th, 2023, to address critical issues within the Public Colleges of Education in the country.

Acknowledging the significant role played by the restoration of the allowance in 2017, the association emphasized the need for an increase at this time due to the rise in prices of goods and services since 2017

In addition to the increase in allowance, the President highlighted the challenges faced regarding the disbursement of the allowance 

He expressed concern over the delays in payment, rendering the allowance useless for its intended purpose

Furthermore, Nana Kwame Sefah revealed that a portion of the allowances allocated to trainees had been reduced to supplement their feeding component, a matter the association finds unsatisfacry 

Consequently, the association has called upon the Ministry of Education to collaborate with the Ministry of Finance, urging them to consider raising the teacher trainees' allowances to at least GH¢600.00

The TTAG further appealed to all entities involved in the disbursement process to expedite payment to trainees for the remaining owed allowances.

The shortage of food in some colleges of education has become a cause for concern as a result of the delay in payment of the feeding grant. This delay has led to students having to take porridge without bread, groundnuts, or milk, leaving them with a less nutritious and satisfying meal.

The feeding grant is an essential source of support for many students in colleges of education, as it helps to ensure that they have access to regular and nutritious meals. However, the delay in payment of this grant has resulted in a shortage of food in some institutions, leaving students with limited options for their meals.

Taking porridge without bread, groundnuts, or milk not only affects the nutritional value of the meal but also leaves students feeling unsatisfied and hungry. This can have a significant impact on their ability to concentrate and perform well in their studies.

It is important for the relevant authorities to address this issue promptly and ensure that the feeding grant is disbursed in a timely manner. Students should not have to worry about where their next meal will come from while pursuing their education.

In the meantime, colleges of education should explore alternative options to ensure that students have access to adequate and nutritious meals. This could include seeking support from local organizations or implementing temporary measures to address the shortage of food.

Overall, the shortage of food in some colleges of education as a result of the delay in payment of the feeding grant is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed urgently. Students should not have to bear the brunt of administrative delays when it comes to their basic needs, and it is crucial that steps are taken to rectify this situation as soon as possible.