Delegates of the Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana (TTAG) from the forty-nine public Colleges of Education have issued a comprehensive communiqué and resolution calling for urgent reforms in areas affecting academic progression, welfare, and professional readiness of teacher trainees nationwide.
The Assembly, held under the theme “Advancing the Welfare of Teacher Trainees through Sustainable Policy Reforms: The Role of Stakeholders”, highlighted concerns ranging from delayed examination results to rising fees, infrastructural deficits, and ongoing strike actions.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, December 24, TTAG began by commending key stakeholders for their ongoing support of teacher education.
“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 major concern highlighted by the Assembly was the recurring delays and discrepancies in the release of examination results by 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.”
TTAG has directed its National Secretariat to engage affiliate universities to ensure timely publication of results, accurate record-keeping, and resolution of portal-related challenges.
Infrastructure Deficits
The Assembly acknowledged briefing sessions with the Honourable Minister of Education on infrastructural deficits in the Colleges of Education.
TTAG emphasised the urgent need for practical interventions.
Licensure Examination Uncertainty
TTAG reiterated its support for the National Teaching Council’s (NTC) licensure initiative but expressed concern over delays in official communication on the next GTLE cycle.
“The Assembly acknowledged the mandate of the National Teaching Council (NTC) under the Education Act 2008 (Act 778), section 9, to uphold excellence in the teaching profession through the licensing and registration of teachers in Ghana. 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.”
The Teacher Trainees and National Service Personnel expressed concern over the absence of official communication regarding the forthcoming GTLE, warning that the uncertainty is creating anxiety among candidates preparing to enter the teaching profession.
As an Association, we reaffirm our support for the licensing initiative but respectfully made the following appeals:
* The NTC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE), should expedite official communication on the next GTLE cycle, particularly for National Service Personnel, to avoid uncertainty and anxiety among candidates.
* Clear timelines and guidelines should be published well in advance to enable candidates to prepare adequately for the examination.
* Learning resources, preparatory materials, and question banks should be made accessible to candidates to ensure fairness and readiness.
The status of student feeding across the Colleges was also discussed. TTAG called for sustainable and affordable arrangements with transparent communication.
The National Executive Council will engage stakeholders further to ensure decisions are clearly communicated to all members.
“The Assembly thoroughly deliberated on the status of feeding, acknowledging its significant financial, administrative, and welfare implications for Teacher Trainees.”
While a position was taken through votes during the Assembly, the following directives and appeals were made:
* The National Executive Council (NEC) is mandated to refer the issue for further consultations with relevant Stakeholders.
* Stakeholder engagements should prioritise the sustainability and affordability of feeding arrangements to ensure that Teacher Trainees are not unduly burdened, and clear guidelines and transparent communication must be established to address concerns related to funding. administration, and equity in the feeding system.
* The TTAG leadership shall ensure that the final determination on student feeding is communicated to all members through an official circular for clarity and consistency.
School Fees and Ancillary Charges
Rising school fees and ancillary charges were highlighted as placing significant financial strain on trainees.
TTAG resolved to engage College Managements and relevant authorities to ensure transparency, consistency, and accountability in billing.
“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.”
In light of these concerns, the following directives and appeals were made:
* The leadership of the Association is mandated to engage College Managements and relevant authorities to ensure transparency in the determination and communication of fees. It must work towards fair and consistent billing practices across all forty-nine (49) public Colleges of Education to prevent disparities and undue burdens on students.
* Clear breakdowns of ancillary charges should be provided to Teacher Trainees to promote accountability and trust in financial administration.
Strike Action and Teacher Recruitment
The ongoing strike by the Colleges of Education Teachers’ Association of Ghana (CETAG) was condemned for disrupting teaching and learning.
TTAG urged government to expedite negotiations for the return of lecturers to classrooms. The Assembly also called for the urgent recruitment of professionally trained teachers to address the growing backlog of qualified graduates awaiting employment.
Key Resolutions
- Intensify engagements with affiliate universities to ensure timely, accurate examination results.
- Mobilise government, alumni, NGOs, and private partners to support infrastructure, prioritising completion of ongoing hostel projects.
- Expedite communication on GTLE cycles and provide preparatory resources.
- Conduct stakeholder consultations on feeding with focus on sustainability and transparency.
- Ensure transparent, fair, and consistent billing of school fees and ancillary charges.
- Urge government to resolve CETAG strike to restore teaching and learning immediately.
- Commence urgent recruitment of professionally trained teachers to absorb qualified graduates.
Conclusion
The TTAG leadership expressed profound gratitude to delegates, observers, former officials, stakeholders, Nduom School of Business and Technology, and the media for their support.
“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 Assembly reaffirmed the commitment of TTAG to constructive engagement, responsible advocacy, and the protection of the interests of Teacher Trainees nationwide.
