The Teacher Trainees allowance must be paid this December - Zangu Jonathan writes

We do appreciate the outstanding support offered to all Teacher Trainees across the 46 public colleges here in Ghana. Indeed it is on records that the students allowance scheme since its restoration have served a diligent purpose as one of the contributive factors to help sustain trainees once in school. It is highly recommended by all trainees and we hereby declare our profound gratitude to the president and the respective stakeholders spearheading this sumptuous activity.

That notwithstanding, the undue delay in the payment of trainees allowance which covers the space of about an academic year, have caused a lot of havoc to trainees in one way or the other. Almost all trainees do express their displeasure on the above stated issue through various ways, it does seem this falls on deaf ears or doesn't get to Mr. President and the stakeholders involved. Or it might be that it is obviously swiped under the carpet and nothing is actually done about it.

We once again register our revulsion and disgust on how this matter is treated or handled by the government and the respective stakeholders. It might sound monotonous, but it is not our wish to dance to the same beat repeatedly. We are not desperate. We are not fighting for the money. We only want to hold Mr. President and his government responsible for their promise. The promise was to pay 'trainees' allowance not to pay Nursing trainees allowance and neglect that of the teacher trainees. Most of the supporters of the ruling party uses 'the payment of trainees allowance' as one of their strongest points in their campaigns. The promise should be fulfilled. We can't afford to be used. A reminder, this issue of concern pulled a whole lot of votes for Mr. President. Hence, it should be taken seriously or those votes might be jeopardized next elections.

We plead on government to open up to trainees and the general public if there is anything hindering the payment of the allowance otherwise, it should be treated as scheduled. Why is it always teachers? Are our services in any way "not needed" in this country? Nursing and Midwifery trainees have received theirs.

Again, it is from this same allowance that our feeding fee comes. Since the allowances are not paid, feeding also becomes a problem for both the institutions and the trainees. Because of the undue delay in the payment of the allowance/ feeding, the reopening date for the 2021/2022 academic year has been postponed severally under the pretex of other reasons. When school finally resumes without the allowance/ feeding, what will we be feeding on? Let the truth shine!

Our leaders pushed tirelessly and had series of promises of which not even a single one of them has been fulfilled. We are on the lookout. Huge amount of money might be released during elections but believe me, it will be too late.

Is high time the politicians of this Nation stopped playing smart tricks with the conscience of the "ordinary" Ghanaian. We might be silent today not because we don't know what to do or say but we will definitely burst our displeasure towards the "unconcern act" of our leaders one day.

The Teacher Trainees allowance must be paid this December

Thank you.

Zangu Jonathan

Public Relation Officer

Tumu College of Education