Ghana School Feeding Secretariat Apologizes to Caterers for Delayed Payment of Arrears
The Ghana School Feeding Secretariat has apologised to caterers for the government’s failure to pay the arrears owed to them. The Head of Public Relations at the Ghana School Feeding Secretariat, Alfa Siba, explained that the delay was due to the current state of the economy but assured caterers that the government is working to…
The Ghana School Feeding Secretariat has apologised to caterers for the government’s failure to pay the arrears owed to them. The Head of Public Relations at the Ghana School Feeding Secretariat, Alfa Siba, explained that the delay was due to the current state of the economy but assured caterers that the government is working to release funds for the payment of their arrears.
On Tuesday, April 4, some caterers in the Ashanti Region participating in the government’s school feeding program went on strike, demanding payment of arrears and an increase in the feeding grant. The caterers threatened to lay down their tools following the government’s failure to pay arrears owed to them.
Caterers have also demanded an increase in the amount the government pays per child daily from ninety-seven pesewas to three Ghana cedis. They argue that the current amount is unsustainable due to the current state of the economy and the high cost of food commodities.
To address their concerns, the caterers petitioned the Ashanti Regional Minister on Monday, April 3, 2023, but were reportedly dissatisfied with his response as they were ordered to leave.
In an interview with Alfa Siba, he stated that funds would be released soon and that the Secretariat is engaging relevant stakeholders and caterers to resolve the issue. He also urged the caterers to rescind their decision not to cook while they continue their engagements.
For the most part, the Ghana School Feeding Secretariat has apologised for the delay in payment of arrears owed to caterers in the government’s school feeding program. The delay is due to the current state of the economy, but the government is working to release funds for the payment of the arrears.
Caterers in the program have demanded an increase in the feeding grant per child daily due to the high cost of food commodities. The Secretariat is engaging with caterers and relevant stakeholders to resolve the issue, and funds will be released soon.
