Over the last few days, trainee teachers have been on edge over the notice by the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF) for them to start fending for themselves effective Monday, November 7, 2022.
A letter intercepted by the media and addressed to the Education Minister, seeks the approval of government on the decision as it has become “increasingly difficult for Principals to continue to provide three meals a day to students at Six Cedis, Fifty Pesewas (C6.50).”
It added that, ”Principals of Colleges of Education have been trying really very hard to feed trainee teachers in recent times as a result of current market trends. Prices of all food items have shot up astronomically, and food suppliers have refused to supply any food items to Colleges because of the indebtedness of Colleges to these suppliers.”
It is within the right of PRINCOF to look out for the best interest of the students, who are in their care.
What seems unclear to this newspaper, is why the Ministry of Education, which is the supervisory ministry on education, will always wait until heads of various educational institutions, issue a warning before they scramble to act.
In a world where education, is the backbone of every nations development, it beggars believe, why authorities, do not prioritise the needs of not only students but the teaching staff. prioritising education, despite the plethora of issues, should always be sacrificed on the altar of exceptionalism.
The tone of the letter, clearly shows that, the Principals, can no longer feed the students with the meager amount they receive as feeding grant, considering the rising cost of food items.
Akufo-Addo was voted to office six years ago, because of his promise to put education at the forefront of his administration.
Among the promises was the introduction of free Senior High School, but despite his best efforts his government’s handling of the programme, has left even his ardent supporters frustrated.
The shambolic handling of the free SHS, for example, has left many Ghanaians, including parents deeply worried and are calling for a review of the policy.
It is in the light of this that, we call on him to ensure that, he lives a lasting legacy in the educational sector.
A sound mind it is said, lives in a sound body, in order for the students to get a sound mind, they need to be fed well, this include a proper balanced diet.
