The Ashanti Regional branch of the Progressive School Feeding Caterers Association Ghana has announced its intention to cease operations due to ongoing payment discrepancies and outstanding arrears in the school feeding grant.
In a recent statement, the association expressed frustration over the government’s failure to pay the approved feeding grant of GH₵1.50 per pupil.
Instead, caterers have been receiving GH₵1.20, which is 30 pesewas less than the promised amount. This shortfall has exacerbated the financial strain on caterers, who have already been grappling with rising food prices.
The association highlighted that the government had initially agreed to increase the school feeding grant from GH₵1 per child to GH₵3 following numerous protests.
However, the approved amount for the 2023/2024 academic year was later set at GH₵1.50, as announced by the Coordinator of the School Feeding Programme, Hajia Safia, on national television.
Despite this approval, caterers were dismayed to find that recent payments were calculated based on GH₵1.20 per pupil instead of the GH₵1.50, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
Gifty Asamoah, President of the association, is urging the government to address the 30 pesewas discrepancy immediately.
Additionally, the group is demanding that the arrears for the second term of the academic year be settled by July 12, 2024. They also insist that the third-term feeding grant be paid before the start of the next academic year to ensure continuous service.
Beyond the issue of underpayment, the association raised several other concerns, including delays in termly payments, underpayments attributed to non-cooking, and the demand for tax certificates, which they argue are unwarranted.
The association has made it clear that if the government and the School Feeding Secretariat do not meet their demands, they will withdraw their services. This move could disrupt the feeding program for numerous students across the region, highlighting the urgency of resolving these financial issues promptly.