The recent directive by the Principals of Colleges of Education to provide teacher trainees with only one meal a day, effective June 17, 2025, has sparked widespread concern and discontent among students. This policy, implemented without adequate consideration for the infrastructure and logistical challenges it poses, has left many students in a precarious situation.
The Challenges
The policy has resulted in several challenges for trainees, including inadequate nutrition, increased financial burden, and uncertainty. Many students are struggling to access adequate nutrition, and the lack of functional kitchens and storage facilities in hostels makes it difficult for them to prepare meals. The impromptu nature of the policy has created uncertainty and stress among students, affecting their overall well-being.
Dr. Samuel Agyei Boateng, General Secretary of Principals, has been quoted as saying that teacher trainees are not poor, citing their use of expensive phones and footwear on campus. However, this statement overlooks the fact that not all students come from affluent backgrounds. Many students are breadwinners for their families and struggle to make ends meet.
Constitution Perspective
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana emphasizes the importance of equal educational opportunities and facilities for all (Article 25). Additionally, Article 38(1) highlights the state’s responsibility to provide educational facilities. These provisions underscore the need for authorities to prioritize student welfare and provide adequate support to ensure academic success.
Remedies
To address the challenges posed by this policy, we recommend the following:
– Hostel Facilities: Provide well-finished kitchens with store rooms where students can cook and store their food. – Increased Funding: Review the feeding allowance to ensure it covers the cost of three nutritious meals a day. – Infrastructure Development : Upgrade the electrical connections in hostels to facilitate the use of electrical gadgets for cooking. – Stakeholder Engagement : Engage with students, staff, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth implementation of policies.
The Ministry of Education and other stakeholders must be involved in the implementation of these remedies. We urge them to take immediate action to address the crisis created by this policy and prioritize student welfare and academic success.
CONCLUSION
The feeding policy for teacher trainees requires urgent revision to prioritize student welfare and academic success. We call on the Principals of Colleges of Education, the Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders to reconsider this policy and take immediate action to address the challenges it poses.
Published by :NAANDAM IRENE YENNULOM
A LEVEL 300 student of BAGABAGA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, Tamale
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