National President of the School Feeding Caterers Association, Nana Otua Sakyi-Amo, has announced plans to seek the intervention of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, following the abrupt and unofficial termination of contracts under the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP).
The GSFP, a vital initiative aimed at providing free, nutritious meals to primary school children, has recently come under scrutiny after several caterers claimed their contracts were canceled without formal communication.
Speaking on Radio Univers’ Campus Exclusive on May 6, Nana Otua recalled Otumfuo’s previous advocacy for caterers’ welfare, including his involvement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to resolve delayed payments.
“There is one man we respect, and that is Otumfuo Asantehene, because he’s the only person in Ghana who has heard our cry.”
She revealed that the association intends to visit Manhyia Palace within the week, hoping the Asantehene will address what they describe as growing injustices surrounding the termination of their contracts. In addition to this, Nana Otua confirmed that the group would also be submitting a petition to the IMF before Monday.
Nana Otua also expressed disappointment in the government’s silence on the issue.
“Nobody has officially informed us that our contracts have been canceled, we only heard it through the media.”
Despite the challenges, Nana Otua reaffirmed the caterers’ commitment to feeding school children.
“It is our duty to feed the kids. We were appointed to serve them, not for personal gain. We will go back and cook. We will let the whole world know that we are going back to cook.”
The Association is demanding fairness, transparency, and government accountability in the administration of the school feeding programme.
Story by: Wilhemina Dushie | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited: Wahab Abdul Razak
