Here are some significant updates regarding the 46 Public Colleges in our country, especially in light of the recent CETAG strike. These developments were confirmed by one institution today at 1:15 PM:
1. Academic Calendar Update
PRINCOF, has released the academic calendar for the second semester for all 46 Public Colleges. The schedule includes five weeks of regular classes from August 26, 2024, to September 23, 2024. This will be followed by a week of quizzes from September 30, 2024, to October 4, 2024, totaling six weeks of instruction. Subsequently, exams will be conducted over five days. Classes commenced on Monday, August 26, 2024. Students are encouraged to return to campus promptly to benefit from the full academic experience.
2. Student Allowance Concerns
Currently, the government owes students allowances for two months from the first semester and three months for the current semester. Initially, the government intended to deduct GH¢51 from the first two months' allowance but did not do so. This amount will now be deducted from the next payment via the SLTF. Consequently, if a student receives GH¢400 for two months and GH¢102 is deducted for food, the net amount received will be approximately GH¢298 for those two months.
3. School Feeding Program
Due to the CETAG strike, PRINCOF engaged with the government regarding student meals. However, the government has declined to provide funding for this purpose. PRINCOF also sought assistance from TTAG, which is currently unable to offer support. As a result, PRINCOF held another meeting to devise a strategy to manage the situation in the colleges.
4. Outcomes of the PRINCOF Meeting
Given the lack of support from the government and TTAG, PRINCOF has decided to implement some changes. These include reducing the portion sizes of meals and removing certain health-related items to adhere to the government’s budget of GH¢8 per student per day.