The Ghana School Feeding Secretariat has apologized to caterers for the failure of the government to pay the arrears owed to them.
According to Alfa Siba, head of public relations at the Ghana School Feeding Secretariat, the current condition of the economy has caused a delay in their payment, but the government is diligently working to release funds for the payment of their arrears.
On Tuesday, April 4, some caterers in the Ashanti Region who participate in the government's school feeding program went on strike to demand payment of arrears and an increase in the feeding grant.
The decision to terminate their services was made after the caterers threatened to stop working due to the government's failure to pay overdue payments.
The caterers are also requesting an increase in the amount the government pays per child per day from ninety-seven pesewas to three Ghana cedis, citing the current condition of the economy and the accompanying high cost of food commodities as reasons why the current amount is unsustainable.
On Monday, April 3, 2023, the caterers petitioned the Ashanti Regional Minister in an attempt to get authorities to address their concerns. However, they were instructed to depart after receiving an unsatisfactory response to their petition.
However, in an interview, Alfa Siba stated that the funds will be distributed shortly.
"We are collaborating with the affected parties and caterers to determine the optimal solution. Just last week, we paid all districts for the second semester of the academic year 2022. Therefore, we are requesting that the caterers reverse their decision not to cook while we proceed with the engagements," he confirmed.
All efforts have been made to increase the nutrition grant, he added.
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