Scrapping teacher trainee allowance is an issue for equitable access to teacher education in Ghana.

Abstract

The most recent policy on the abolition of the student allowance has generated mixed reactions from students and stakeholders. The study examined the effects of the removal of allowance for trainees in colleges of education on access to colleges of education. The study adopted the mixed methods approach utilising sequential explanatory design to collect both quantitative and qualitative. The investigation in which a quantitative phase of data collection and analysis was followed by a qualitative phase. Descriptive statistics were employed in the analysis. The abolition of the allowance for trainees has led to an increase in enrolment and improved infrastructure in the colleges. With regard to the standard of education, the lack of financial assistance for trainee teachers has led to a low level of attendance and learning outcomes as some trainees miss classes to engage in economic activities to support themselves financial whiles they are in the teacher colleges of education. It is also clear from the finding that the removal of the teacher trainee allowance puts additional costs on parents and trainees The reforms have increased access to colleges of education as compared to the quota system. The Government of Ghana should consider abolishing the quota system for student participation in colleges of education. This is because the quota system component of the teacher education allowance scheme is a rather inhibiting factor. Government should also consider decentralizing financing and encouraging distance learning models as an alternative.