In a proactive response to mounting concerns in the Public Colleges of Education, the National Secretariat of the Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana (TTAG) has initiated high-level consultations following its recent leadership transition.
In a press release dated June 24, 2025, TTAG outlined its vision for addressing pressing student welfare issues, starting with dialogue and data-driven advocacy.
“Our mandate goes beyond symbolism—we are here to act,” stated TTAG National President H.E. Divine Nanija. “The concerns of our colleagues in the forty-seven public Colleges of Education are our topmost priority.”
The newly installed National Executive Officers (NEO), together with the National Executive Council (NEC), have already held a courtesy meeting with the Chair of PRINCOF, Prof. Samuel Awinkene Atintono, and other PRINCOF officials, including Dr. Addae Samuel Boateng and Dr. Mrs. Phyllis Agyeman Nyarko.
Meal Policy Concerns
At the centre of TTAG’s early engagements is the controversial “One Hot Meal” policy recently implemented across the colleges.
“Trainees have expressed visible dissatisfaction with the current feeding arrangement,” the statement acknowledged. “The GHC8.00 daily feeding grant is clearly insufficient for three balanced meals.”
According to the association, following the discussions with PRINCOF, it was disclosed that the pragmatic proposal to offer the one nutritionally sufficient hot meal daily was a temporary fix, not a long-term solution.
“During our engagement with PRINCOF, it was noted that the GHC8.00 daily feeding grant is insufficient to provide three quality meals a day. As a result, a proposal was made to offer one nutritionally sufficient hot meal daily,” TTAG Noted
TTAG pledged to pursue wider stakeholder consultations, noting, “We will work closely with local TTAG chapters and other key stakeholders to seek sustainable alternatives.”
Academic Results Issues
Another critical issue facing teacher trainees is the delay in the release of academic results from affiliate universities such as the University of Ghana, UEW, UDS, and AAMUSTED.
These lags, TTAG noted, have hindered licensure exam registration and the timely processing of transcripts.
In a structured response, a five-member fact-finding committee has been set up to gather reliable data on affected institutions.
“Our engagement with PRINCOF was candid and results-oriented,” said Divine Nanija. “We’ve made it clear that administrative bottlenecks must not cost trainees their future. We will pursue this with urgency.”
Student Loan Trust Fund
In a parallel meeting, TTAG engaged the leadership of the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) to discuss urgent financial concerns affecting teacher trainees.
A major highlight was about the “No-fees-stress” policy, a strategic initiative by the government aimed at easing fee-related burdens for first-year students in public tertiary institutions.
According to the SLTF, the policy—soon to be rolled out across all public colleges—will provide tailored financial support to new entrants.
The goal is to remove cost-related barriers that often hinder access and progress in the early stages of teacher education.
“This initiative is timely and deeply needed,” said TTAG National President, H.E. Divine Nanija. “We believe the ‘No-fees-stress’ policy will be a lifeline to many first-year students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.”
The National Secretariat encouraged all eligible students to prepare to take full advantage of the programme once it is officially launched.
“We hereby entreat all First Year Students in public Colleges of Education to take full advantage of this opportunity,” TTAG urged.
Reaffirming its commitment to advocacy and reform, TTAG emphasized that its work is both reactive and visionary. “Be assured of our steadfast commitment to your welfare,” the Secretariat declared.
“Our strategic engagements are intended not only to respond to immediate concerns but to lay the groundwork for long-term reform and advocacy.”
With unity and determination, TTAG called on all teacher trainees to rally behind its mission. “Together, let us continue to advance with unity, vision, and purpose.”
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