We’ll restore teacher trainees allowance –Dr. Opoku Prempeh

The Minister Designate in charge of Education, Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has reiterated the commitment of the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo led New Patriotic Party Government to restore the teacher and nursing trainee allowances this year.

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh who appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Tuesday told the committee that the NPP promised to restore the allowances in the party’s 2016 manifesto stating that the party is committed to it.

“Under the NPP’s manifesto specifically in page 112 we promised to fully restore teacher and nursing trainee allowances so those who were getting the allowances are going to enjoy it again, because it will be restored,” he assured.

The Minister designate explained that government one of the things that government would do as far as restoring the teacher trainee allowances is concerned, is by ensuring fairness.

According to him, it was important for the government to bring fairness to bear because “fairness demands that if somebody works you pay” hence would pay arrears to all trainees who were due for allowances.

“We have an arrears to pay because restoration is in itself intends to recompense or restitute what has been lost and we have four levels that is those who are going to the first year, those in the first year going to the second year, those going to the third year and the newly qualified trainee teachers. We have a backlog of 55,000 plus trainee teachers or duly qualified teachers we have to pay.

“If they are due we have to pay ….if we don’t do that Mr. Chair, you and I will work for six months and somebody you are due for one month, “he stated.

The previous National Democratic Congress scrapped the teacher and nursing trainees allowances in 2013.Despite stiff opposition from the trainees and student groups the government remained adamant and vowed not to rescind its decision even if it will cost them to lose the elections.

Story By: Michael Creg Afful.

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