The Director General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, has sounded the alarm on the financial burden of paying teacher trainee allowances, citing a whopping GHȼ380,113,600.00 in outstanding arrears for the 2023/2024 and current academic years.¹ This staggering amount has prompted Prof. Abdulai to advocate for a national conversation on educational interventions, focusing on sustainability and related factors.
Currently, each student receives GHȼ400 for 8 months, totaling GHȼ220,134,480.00. However, the irony lies in the fact that Colleges of Education manage to feed students three meals a day at a rate of GHȼ8.00, sparking questions about the efficiency of resource allocation.
A Proposal for Upgrade
At the 15th congregation of the Akatsi College of Education, where 362 students graduated with Bachelor of Education Degrees, the Principal, Dr. Felix Kwame Kumedzro, proposed upgrading the College to a fully-fledged University College. This move would enhance training for students and contribute to the rapid development of the Avenor Traditional Area.
Dr. Kumedzro emphasized the College's strategic location, serving eight districts and municipalities in the southern part of the Volta Region. He urged stakeholders, including traditional authorities and landowners, to make lands available for expansion and provision of requisite facilities.
Transforming Technical and Vocational Education
Prof. Isaac Boateng, Pro Vice Chancellor of Akenten Appiah-Menkah University of Skills Training (AAMUSTED), highlighted the need for policies to transform technical and vocational education in Ghana. He outlined key initiatives, including:
- Collaboration between industries: Fostering partnerships to ensure curriculum relevance
- Curriculum modernisation: Adapting curricula to meet industry needs
- Embracing technology and innovation: Integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance learning
- Increasing accessibility: Ensuring equitable access to opportunities for all students
- Focusing on STEM Education and entrepreneurship: Preparing students for the future workforce
By focusing on these areas, technical education can become more dynamic, relevant, and impactful. As Ghana navigates the challenges of financing teacher trainee allowances, it is essential to prioritize sustainability and efficiency in educational interventions.