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The Ashanti Regional branch of the Progressive School Feeding Caterers Association Ghana is threatening to cease operations due to reductions in the approved school feeding grant and non-payment of arrears.
In a statement, the association criticized the authorities responsible for the programme, accusing them of failing to disburse the full feeding grant of GH₵ 1.50 per pupil. The caterers assert that they were underpaid by 30 pesewas per pupil, receiving only GH₵ 1.20 instead of the government-approved amount.
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Caterers nationwide have repeatedly called on the government to increase the school feeding grant from the initial GH₵ 1 per child to GH₵ 3, citing rising food prices. After several protests, the government agreed to an increase.
The association noted that Hajia Safia, the Coordinator of the School Feeding Programme, announced on national television that the government had approved a GH₵ 1.50 feeding fee per child for the 2023/2024 academic year.
However, the recent payments revealed a discrepancy, with the grant calculated at GH₵ 1.20 instead of the approved GH₵ 1.50.
Led by President Gifty Asamoah, the association is demanding that the government rectify the 30 pesewa shortfall and ensure full payment as approved. Additionally, they are urging the government to settle all arrears for the second term of the academic year by July 12, 2024.
They also request the third-term feeding grant to be paid before the next academic year begins. The caterers highlighted several issues, including delays in termly payments, underpayment, deductions for non-cooking days, and the demand for tax certificates.
The association has made it clear that they will withdraw their services if their demands are not met by the government and the School Feeding Secretariat. The caterers believe that addressing these issues is crucial for the sustainability of the school feeding programme and the well-being of the pupils they serve.
