Teacher trainees across the country are demanding urgent reforms to address challenges impacting their academic progress, welfare, and professional preparation. Delegates from the forty-nine public Colleges of Education, under the umbrella of the Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana (TTAG), issued a comprehensive communiqué outlining these concerns.

The Assembly, held under the theme “Advancing the Welfare of Teacher Trainees through Sustainable Policy Reforms: The Role of Stakeholders”, highlighted issues ranging from frustrating delays in examination results to the increasing financial burden of school fees and the need for improved infrastructure.

TTAG began its press statement, released on Wednesday, December 24, by acknowledging the support of key stakeholders. “The General Assembly commends the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, the National Teaching Council, Transforming Teaching, Education and Learning, the National Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education, the Colleges of Education Teachers’ Association of Ghana, the Students Loan Trust Fund, the Ghana National Association of Teachers, the National Association of Graduate Teachers, and the Directors of the Mentoring Universities for their sustained support and commitment to the training and welfare of Teacher Trainees,” the statement read.

A central grievance raised by the Assembly is the recurring delays and inconsistencies in the release of examination results by some affiliate universities. “The Assembly noted with grave concern the recurring delays and discrepancies in the release of examination results by certain affiliate universities. These challenges continue to affect the academic progression and welfare of Teacher Trainees across the forty-nine (49) public Colleges of Education,” the statement emphasized.

To address this, TTAG has tasked its National Secretariat with engaging the universities to ensure timely results publication, accurate record-keeping, and the swift resolution of any portal-related issues.

The Assembly also acknowledged briefings from the Minister of Education regarding infrastructural deficits within the Colleges of Education, stressing the need for concrete action to improve facilities.

Regarding the National Teaching Council’s (NTC) licensure examination, TTAG reaffirmed its support for the initiative but expressed worry over the lack of official communication regarding the next Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE) cycle. “While Teacher Trainees and National Service personnel remain committed to meeting the standards set by the NTC, the Assembly notes with concern that official communication on the next GTLE cycle is still pending,” TTAG stated.

The uncertainty surrounding the GTLE is causing anxiety among prospective teachers, according to the trainees. TTAG is appealing to the NTC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, to expedite the release of information, including clear timelines and accessible preparatory materials.

The status of student feeding arrangements was also a key discussion point. TTAG is calling for sustainable and affordable solutions, coupled with transparent communication regarding funding and administration.

Furthermore, the Assembly highlighted the financial strain caused by rising school fees and ancillary charges. “The Assembly deliberated extensively on the issue of rising school fees and ancillary charges in the Colleges of Education, recognising the financial strain such increases place on Teacher Trainees,” the statement noted. TTAG leadership is mandated to engage College Managements to ensure transparency and consistency in billing practices.

The ongoing strike action by the Colleges of Education Teachers’ Association of Ghana (CETAG) was strongly condemned for its disruptive impact on teaching and learning. TTAG is urging the government to expedite negotiations to resolve the strike and facilitate the immediate return of lecturers to the classroom. The Assembly also called for the urgent recruitment of qualified teachers to address the existing backlog of graduates awaiting employment.

Key Resolutions: TTAG is prioritizing intensified engagement with universities on examination results, mobilizing support for infrastructure development, expediting GTLE communication, conducting stakeholder consultations on feeding arrangements, ensuring transparent fee structures, and urging the government to resolve the CETAG strike and accelerate teacher recruitment.

The TTAG leadership expressed gratitude to delegates, observers, former officials, stakeholders, the Nduom School of Business and Technology for hosting the Assembly, and the media for their coverage. “The Leadership of the Association expresses profound gratitude to Delegates, Observers, Former Officials. and distinguished Guests for their commitment and participation. Appreciation is extended to all Stakeholders, the Nduom School of Business and Technology for its hospitality, and the Media for amplifying the voice of Teacher Trainees,” the statement concluded. TTAG remains committed to advocating for the best interests of teacher trainees nationwide.

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