The Ghanaian government announced it has cleared some arrears owed to caterers under the Ghana School Feeding Programme. This move covers the 16 regions of Ghana.
In a recent statement, the National Secretariat of the Ghana School Feeding Programme confirmed payment of all first-term arrears for the 2023/2024 academic year. The caterers received GH¢1.20 per student for 54 days of providing hot meals.
“The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has paid the first-term arrears of caterers under the Programme in all 16 regions,” the statement read.
The total number of cooking days for the first term of the 2023/2024 academic year, which began on October 3, 2023, was 58. However, four days were deducted because of instructions for kitchen cleanup from October 3 to October 6. The official cooking started on October 9, 2023.
Caterers were paid for 54 cooking days at a rate of GH¢1.20 per child each school day. Payments were made based on the actual number of days caterers fed students during the term.
The Secretariat acknowledged complaints of underpayments from caterers across the 16 regions. It urged those affected to report to their Regional Coordinators for prompt resolution.
“The issues will be thoroughly investigated to determine whether the caterers cooked throughout the term or were affected by non-cooking days’ deductions,” the statement continued. “The National Secretariat urges caterers to remain calm while we address the issues.”
The payment of arrears comes as a relief to many caterers who have been vocal about delayed payments impacting their operations. This step reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the smooth running of the School Feeding Programme.
While the immediate arrears have been addressed, ongoing issues highlight the need for a more efficient payment system. The Secretariat’s call for caterers to report discrepancies shows a willingness to improve transparency and accountability in the program.
By resolving payment delays and addressing underpayment issues, the government aims to build trust with caterers and ensure the sustainability of the School Feeding Programme. This initiative not only supports caterers but also ensures that students continue to receive nutritious meals, crucial for their academic performance and overall well-being.
The National Secretariat’s proactive approach to resolving complaints demonstrates its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the School Feeding Programme. Ensuring timely payments and addressing grievances promptly will likely improve the program’s efficiency and effectiveness.
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Source: Ghana Web
