The principal of Akyem Asene-Aboabo Oda Methodist College of Education (METCO), Very Rev. Solomon Kwame Gyamerah, has called on the government to explore alternative measures before abolishing the teacher trainee allowance.
Speaking at the college’s 6th matriculation ceremony, where 345 new students—149 males and 196 females—were admitted for the 2024/2025 academic year, Rev. Gyamerah suggested that trainees should have the option to either self-finance their education or access loans from the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), which they can repay after graduation.
According to him, this approach would prevent vulnerable students from being disenfranchised while helping the government manage financial constraints effectively.
“A sudden removal of the allowance could lead to significant financial hardships for many trainees,” he cautioned.
Meanwhile, Mr. Andy Agorda, Registrar at the Institute for Teacher Education and Continuing Professional Development, University of Education, Winneba, advised students to strive for academic excellence, emphasizing that rigorous preparation is key to their effectiveness in the teaching profession.