Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) has renewed its appeal for the government to scrap the Teacher Trainee Allowance, describing the policy as uneconomical and unsustainable in light of the 2026 national budget.
This latest call was made in a statement released on Thursday, November 20, following the presentation of the 2026 Budget by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on November 13.
According to the budget, GH¢207.8 million has been allocated for teacher trainee allowances for students in Colleges of Education in 2026. However, Eduwatch maintains that these funds would be more effectively utilised if redirected to the Students’ Loan Scheme, thereby supporting all tertiary students, including teacher trainees.
“An amount of GH¢207.8 million has been set aside in the 2026 budget for Teacher Trainee Allowances at Colleges of Education. The allocation is uneconomical. Eduwatch reiterates its long-standing position that this allocation should be scrapped, and resources redirected to the Students’ Loan Scheme to benefit all tertiary students, including teacher trainees,” the statement read.
The advocacy group emphasised that discontinuing the allowance policy and bolstering the loan scheme would ensure broader and more equitable financial support across the tertiary education sector. Eduwatch’s position reflects a growing debate over how best to allocate scarce public resources to maximise access and impact within higher education.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
