Due to the government’s inability to pay outstanding arrears spanning three academic terms, caterers in the Ashanti region that are a part of the government’s school feeding program are about to go on strike.
Despite repeated guarantees from the government, the caterers expressed deep disappointment and irritation that they have not received any payments from September 2023 to June 2024.
Their capacity to function has been seriously hampered by this protracted delay, as they are finding it difficult to fulfill their financial commitments, including payments to creditors who are now threatening legal action.
The caterers have given the government a harsh ultimatum because of their terrible financial circumstances. They want the government to deposit the outstanding payments into their accounts by Wednesday, June 26 at the latest.
They have made it clear how serious and urgent their situation is by threatening to stage an immediate demonstration if their demands are not satisfied.
Meanwhile, a report by the education think tank Africa Education Watch indicates that in order to guarantee that participants in the school feeding program receive nutritious meals, there is an urgent need for a 200 percent increase in financing.
A projected GH¢3 billion is needed to maintain and improve the program in order to adequately fulfill the nutritional needs of schoolchildren, as stressed by Kofi Asare, Executive Director of Africa Education Watch.
He claims that the inability to provide monies as promised puts the caterers’ livelihoods in danger and imperils the ongoing operation of a crucial educational program meant to improve children’s nutritional status and academic performance.
BY: APPIANIMAA MERCY
