The Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana (TTAG) has opposed calls to cancel the teacher trainee allowance, describing it as unfair and impractical.
Speaking on the issue, Razak Soale, President of TTAG, debunked claims that teacher training colleges are operating without quota restrictions and insisted that the allowance remains a lifeline for many students, particularly those posted to rural areas.
“The allowance is something to help us afford the expenses,” Soale emphasized.
“The colleges are actually full to capacity, and they are even using infrastructure that is not supposed to be used as accommodation facilities.”
Debunking the ‘Quota Restriction’ Myth
Soale rejected suggestions that colleges of Education faces quota restrictions following governments budget allocation for each school.
He pointing out that colleges are already stretching their infrastructure beyond capacity.
“The colleges are packed, and some colleges are even using spaces that were not meant to be accommodation facilities.”
Feeding Crisis & the Real Reason for Allowance
Touching on another critical issue, Soale hinted that the feeding situation in the colleges was worsening and should not be tied to the allowance debate.
“As for the conversation on feeding, that’s another story on its own.”
He further clarified that the allowance was never meant to cover feeding costs but was introduced due to the harsh conditions in the colleges of education.
“The allowance was introduced not to encourage feeding but due to the circumstances that existed in the colleges of education.”
Background to the Allowance Controversy
This debate follows a report by Daily Graphic on February 4, 2025, which suggested that the government was considering replacing the trainee allowance with an enhanced student loan scheme.
Although the Ministry of Education has denied the report, the Education Minister, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, is expected to clarify the government’s official position on the matter.
With tensions rising and trainees adamant that the allowance must remain, the coming weeks will determine whether the government listens to their plea or pushes ahead with the proposed cancellation.
