“Teacher trainees Use Expensive Phones, Footwear; They’re Not Poor”-PRINCOF General Secretary Defends One meal Policy [Watch Video]
Dr. Samuel Addae-Boateng, the General Secretary of the Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF), has shared the reason behind the decision to cut down meals for teacher trainees from three to just one per day. According to him, many trainees are not struggling financially and can afford to handle their own food expenses.
In an interview on Oyerepa Breakfast Time with host Kwesi Parker-Wilson, Dr. Addae-Boateng said, “When you visit the colleges, you’ll notice that some students own expensive phones that even we, the principals, cannot afford. They also wear high-end clothes and shoes, which clearly shows they are not from poor backgrounds.”
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He pointed out that most of the trainees are well-supported by their families or guardians. “So, asking them to take care of two meals daily should not be seen as too much,” he added. “Those who provide for these students can help them with food as well. It’s not true that this change will discourage them from continuing their education.”
Dr. Addae-Boateng, however, admitted that not all students are financially stable. “Some may indeed face difficulties,” he noted, “but if a student is able to purchase an iPhone 16, then buying food shouldn’t be a problem.”
His remarks have caused a lot of debate among students, parents, and the wider public. Some people argue that having a fancy phone or nice clothes doesn’t always mean a person is financially secure. Others worry that the new meal policy could hurt students who are truly in need.
SEE ALSO: PRINCOF Reduces Teacher Trainees Feeding Thrice To Once Daily
According to PRINCOF, this decision was made because of serious financial constraints. In an official statement, they revealed that all 47 public Colleges of Education were consulted before the change was made. The statement also said, “We can no longer afford to provide three meals a day with the current GH¢8.00 per student budget.”
Watch the video below
Starting Monday, 16th June 2025, teacher trainees who stay on campus will now receive just one hot meal each day.
The new policy has received mixed reactions. Some believe it’s a necessary step to help colleges stay within budget. Others fear it could negatively affect students’ learning and increase their stress levels.
For now, it’s uncertain whether the one-meal-a-day policy will last. Much will depend on how students, families, and education authorities respond in the coming weeks.
Source: Oyerepa TV
