The Teacher Trainees' Association of Ghana (TTAG) has expressed concerns over the government’s delay in paying the allowances owed to teacher trainees. According to TTAG, trainees across the country have not received their allowances for four months in the second semester of the 2023/2024 academic year.
These allowances, which are meant to support trainees with their academic and personal needs, remain unpaid, causing significant financial hardship for many students.
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Teacher trainees depend on these allowances to cover basic expenses like transportation, meals, books, and other learning materials. For many students, these funds are essential for their survival, and without them, they struggle to focus on their studies.
This issue is even more critical for final-year trainees, who are currently undertaking their out-program teaching practice. These students are posted to various schools across the country, often far from home, where they are expected to teach and gain practical experience. They rely heavily on their allowances to cover transportation, accommodation, and other living expenses during this period.
TTAG, the official voice of teacher trainees in Ghana, has called on the government to act swiftly. They have reminded the authorities of their promise to support teacher trainees and urged them to release the funds immediately.
In a recent statement, TTAG emphasized that the delay is not only affecting students’ lives but also their ability to successfully complete their training and contribute to the education system.
Many teacher trainees, especially the final-year students, have expressed frustration about the delay. They say the situation is unbearable, as they are forced to borrow money or depend on their families, which is not sustainable. They are appealing to the government to pay the arrears immediately to ease their struggles.
TTAG and the teacher trainees are urging the government to create a more reliable system for disbursing allowances. This would help prevent future delays and ensure that students receive the financial support they need on time.
The unpaid allowances remain a pressing issue for teacher trainees, especially for the final-year students undertaking their teaching practice. These trainees, who are the future educators of Ghana, play a vital role in the nation’s development. It is, therefore, crucial for the government to prioritize their welfare by addressing this issue without delay.
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