The Ministry of Education (MoE), has reacted to a request by the Conference of Principals of Colleges Education (PRINCOF) for trainee teachers to start fending for themselves.

According to the Ministry, it is working on resolving the food supply challenges with the Colleges of Education ahead of the Monday, 7 November 2022 ultimatum.

“MoE is aware of the urgency of the situation and is working with the Ministry of Finance to swiftly resolve all outstanding obligations/commitments, to the Colleges of Education,” the spokesperson for the Education Ministry, revealed, following the request by PRINCOF. 

It assured the public of its commitment to “address disruptions within the food supply chain in our colleges of education even ahead of the November 7 ultimatum.” 

PRINCOF wants trainee teachers to start fending for themselves, as it says government’s GHS6.50ps is no longer adequate to cover the feeding of the trainees.

A letter dated Monday, 31 October 2022, addressed to the Minister of Education and signed by the Executive Secretary PRINCOF, Dr Harriet Naki Amui, sought permission on the matter. 

“I write on behalf of the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education to seek your approval for principals to ask students to fend for themselves effective November 7 2022,” it said.

According to the letter, the Principals of the various colleges have been trying hard to feed trainee teachers as a result of current market trends.

The letter disclosed that: “A request for an upward review of the feeding grant paid to Principals has not been approved, and it has therefore become increasingly difficult for Principals to continue to provide three meals a day to students at six cedis fifty pesewas (GHS6.50ps).”

PRINCOF explained that having the trainee teachers fend for themselves, “is to ensure that the already stretched academic year is not disrupted.”