PRINCOF announces one daily meal policy for teacher trainees amid financial constraints

The Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF) has announced that teacher trainees in public Colleges of Education will now receive only one hot meal per day due to financial constraints.

In a statement issued on June 16, 2025, and addressed to the Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana (TTAG), PRINCOF acknowledged the government’s GH¢400 monthly feeding grant for each trainee but highlighted the unsustainable nature of the current three-meal-per-day model with the portion allocated to feeding.

According to PRINCOF, GH¢196—equivalent to GH¢8.00 per day—is deducted monthly from the grant for student meals, per an agreement with TTAG.

However, efforts to secure an increase in the feeding rate have been unsuccessful despite repeated appeals.

Following consultations across all 47 public Colleges of Education, PRINCOF has finally decided that continuing the three-meal-per-day arrangement is no longer financially viable.

“After extensive discussions, we have concluded that it is no longer feasible to provide three meals a day on the current GH¢8.00 daily allocation,” the statement read.

Effective June 16, 2025, trainees residing on campus will now receive only one hot meal per day as colleges struggle with rising food costs and logistical expenses.

In the statement, PRINCOF acknowledged the importance of adequate nutrition for trainees’ academic performance but stressed that feeding arrangements must remain financially realistic.

“While we recognise the role of proper nutrition in student welfare, we must also ensure feeding policies align with our financial capacity,“ PRINCOF stated.

The decision, though difficult, aims to protect essential services and safeguard the financial stability of Colleges of Education.

PRINCOF assured trainees that it will continue working with TTAG, the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), and other stakeholders to identify sustainable solutions for trainee welfare.

“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement this adjustment in the best interest of the colleges and the trainees we serve,” PRINCOF concluded.