An outstanding GH¢159.97 million in teacher trainee allowances for the 2023/2024 academic year remains unpaid.
According to the Ghana Technical Education Commission (GTEC), the student population across the 46 colleges of education for that academic year was estimated at 68,792. Each student is entitled to GH¢400 per month for eight months, amounting to GH¢220.13 million.
With the addition of allowances due for the 2023/2024 academic year, the total outstanding teacher trainee allowances now stand at GH¢380.11 million.
The Director-General of GTEC, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, disclosed this during the 15th congregation of Akatsi Training College of Education (AKATSICO) in the Volta Region last Friday.
The event, themed “Transforming Technical and Vocational Education in Ghana – The Role of Technical Colleges of Education,” also marked the investiture of Dr. Felix Kwame Kumedzro as the 13th Principal of the college.
Sustainability Concerns
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Abdulai expressed concern over the financial strain on colleges of education, particularly in feeding trainees.
“It is ironic how the heads of colleges of education feed each student three square meals a day at the cost of GH¢8,” he said, adding, “I wonder how they perform such magic.”
He emphasized the need for a national conversation on the sustainability of teacher trainee allowances and feeding grants. He suggested that the upcoming National Education Reform, set to begin tomorrow, could serve as an opportunity to address these challenges.
Prof. Abdulai also congratulated Dr. Kumedzro on his new role and pledged GTEC’s support to help AKATSICO grow.
362 Students Graduate
A total of 362 students graduated at the ceremony, including 105 trained for upper primary education and 265 for junior high school education.
Among them, 47 earned First Class Honours, 216 obtained Second Class Upper, 83 received Second Class Lower, 14 secured Third Class, and one student recorded a Pass.
AKATSICO’s Vision and Challenges
In his inaugural address, Dr. Kumedzro pledged to work diligently to elevate AKATSICO’s reputation.
A former Head of Postgraduate Programmes at the College of Distance Education at the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Kumedzro stressed the need for greater investment in technical and vocational education to drive sustainable development.
While commending the government’s efforts in retooling technical and vocational schools, he urged authorities to provide more resources for technical colleges of education to ensure well-trained teachers for these institutions.
However, he highlighted pressing challenges at AKATSICO, including the lack of a health facility, inadequate furniture, limited infrastructure, and the absence of an ICT center.
Dr. Kumedzro is a member of several professional organizations, including the International Association of Special Education Teachers, the National Association of Special Education Teachers in Boston, USA, and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG). He is also a member of the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education in Ghana (PRINCOF).
Call for Innovation in Technical Education
Prof. Isaac Boateng, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, was the special guest at the event.
He called for innovation and entrepreneurship within educational institutions, urging universities and technical colleges to provide mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities to help students turn ideas into successful businesses.
“Transforming technical education requires integrating cutting-edge technologies and adapting curricula to meet industry needs,” Prof. Boateng emphasized.
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