The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection is set to invite bids from caterers who wish to provide meals to schools under the School Feeding Programme.
Gender Minister Darkoa Newman mentioned that applicants will be required to set up an online profile and pay a GH₵200 application fee.
She highlighted that this recruitment will focus solely on the 2024/2025 academic year, beginning in September.
“All prospective caterers are welcome to apply. There are specific requirements that must be met because the Ghana School Feeding Programme needs to ensure that you can pre-finance. As you know, payments are made after the term ends, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to pre-finance,” she stated during a press briefing on August 8.
“You should have about GH₵5000 in an account to show proof that you can pre-finance, and that should suffice,” she added.
Prospective caterers will also need to secure a business operating permit, a health certificate, and other essential documents, with full details to be provided in an upcoming publication.
The Gender Minister further revealed plans to test a pilot system in the New Juaben South constituency in the Eastern Region and Krachi East in the Oti Region.
These locations were selected for their reliable internet connectivity, which is crucial for the online application process.
“The pilot will serve as the final trial for these areas. Once the national rollout begins, those who have been employed through the pilot system will not need to go through the process again,” she explained.
The Minister also confirmed that caterers who supplied meals during the previous term have received payment for the first term, and steps are being taken to settle the remaining debt for the second term.