The Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF) has announced a significant change to the current feeding arrangement for teacher trainees in public Colleges of Education, citing financial constraints and the unsustainable nature of the existing model.

In a statement issued on Monday, 16 June 2025, and addressed to the leadership of the Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana (TTAG), PRINCOF expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership and acknowledged the government’s commitment to the full feeding grant of GH¢400 per month allocated to each trainee.

The statement explained, however, that GH¢196 — equivalent to GH¢8.00 per day — is deducted monthly from this amount for student meals, based on an agreement between PRINCOF and TTAG.

Despite repeated appeals over the years, PRINCOF noted that efforts to secure TTAG’s support for an increase in the daily feeding rate have been unsuccessful.

“After extensive consultations across all 47 public Colleges of Education, PRINCOF has concluded that it is no longer viable to continue providing three meals a day on the current GH¢8.00 daily allocation,” the statement read.

As a result, starting Monday, 16 June 2025, all teacher trainees residing on campus will receive only one hot meal per day.
PRINCOF explained that rising food prices and associated logistics costs have made the three-meal-per-day arrangement financially unmanageable, putting immense pressure on college budgets.

“While we acknowledge the importance of adequate nutrition to trainee welfare and academic performance, we must also ensure that feeding arrangements are realistic and within the financial capacity of our institutions,” the statement added.

PRINCOF emphasised that the decision was not taken lightly and was aimed at protecting essential services and ensuring the long-term viability of Colleges of Education.
The body reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with TTAG, the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), and other stakeholders to find sustainable solutions to trainee welfare.

“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement this adjustment in the best interest of the colleges and the trainees we serve,” PRINCOF concluded.