Prof Adei calls for the withdrawal of nurses, teacher trainee allowances

Dean of Faculty of Arts & Sciences at Ashesi University, Professor Stephen Adei has advocated for the abolishing of allowances for trainee nurses and teachers and rather invest such funds into Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET).

“I do not even think that today, teachers and even nurses should get a free education... I know the teachers and nurses will kill me but, all die be die,” he said.

Speaking at a public lecture organised by the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) on enhancing the “Development of Ghana through Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) and the Role of Technical Universities”, Prof Adei said it is the neglect of technical and vocational education and training that makes the prospect of giving second cycle education to all seem daunting.

He added that as a country, “we have chosen to continue the general education of our colonial masters, who only needed clerks and few public servants and have made it the norm. The educational system meant for servitude is not adequate for self-government and development and Nkrumah knew that."

He explained that it is not to say that these professions (teachers and Nurses) are not important for national development. “I say so because as an economist I know that if the government does not support them we will still have enough people doing those courses as they do by going to private universities.”

“We cannot deny young people the basic tools to participate in a modern society because there are no university places. Even in advanced economies less than half of second level products go to universities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vice President Dr Bawumia has stated that the government will be considering an upward review of the restored teacher trainee allowance from the current 400 cedis to about 500 cedis.

During the 2016 electioneering campaign, Nana Akufo-Addo promised to restore the Teacher trainee allowance together with trainee nurses, if elected.

Gov’t to increase teacher trainee allowance to GH¢500

In fulfilment of the promise, the Akufo Addo-led government in October restored the trainee nurses allowance of GH¢ 400 from which GH¢196 will be used to pay for trainees’ utilities.

At the ceremony to officially launched the restored trainee allowance, executives of the Teacher Training Association of Ghana appealed to the government to increase the amount.

Dr Bawumia in response said the government would give the request consideration and ensure it is either increased to GHC450 or GHC500.

“The restoration of the teacher trainee allowance is the first step on the road to ensuring that the teacher enjoys the exulted status it enjoyed in times past. With your help we shall make this happen,” he said.

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