Executives of the New Patriotic Party in the North Dayi constituency of the Volta Region have ‘terminated’ the appointments of caterers under the Ghana School Feeding Programme in the area effective January 10.
A letter dated January 9, 2017 and signed by the party’s constituency organiser, Emmanuel Amefianuame, directed the North Dayi District Director of Education to inform all the caterers under the programme to cease cooking for the pupils in the various basic schools.
“This is to enable the government re-organise the programme in order ensure and greater efficiency in its administration,” letter which was copied to heads of 16 basic schools in the constituency explained.
It asked the caterers who may still be interested to re-apply for consideration.
It is not clear what arrangements have or are being put in place to provide food the pupils during the period of the reorganisation exercise.
When contacted by 3News, Mr Amefianuame could not provide any authority based on which it issued the letter purporting to terminate the appointment of the caterers in the constituency, except to say “we are the government”
He claimed there have been “some allegations against the caters” but could not say what those allegations are.
Justification
The constituency chairman of the party, Kudjoh Attah, confirmed the decision by the executives but said it was taken while he was out of the jurisdiction, adding he has since taken steps to ensure that the proper thing is done.
He, however, justified the decision to dismiss the current caterers under the programme, claiming those who were legitimately in charge were chased out some National Democratic Congress members in 2008 by “unorthodox means”.
“We are reacting with flexibility. You’ve sacked us. This is what was legally given to us and now the table has turned, we are saying please leave it for us to continue what we were doing,” he told 3News.
Meanwhile, he said he met with the District Chief Executive on Tuesday at which meeting the decision of sacking the current caterers was communicated, adding the DCE was lauded them for resorting to attacks to sack the caterers.
According to Mr Attah, he reached an agreement with DCE that the current caterers be allowed to cook for the schools until the end of this week, when they are required to cease.
“We don’t want altercation. We don’t want confusion. We don’t want quarrel… I will ensure that the proper thing is done,” he assured, adding there is no cause for alarm.”
He assured that there will be a smooth transition from the current caterers to the previous ones, indicating there will not be a single day that the pupils will not be given food in the course of the transition.
Asked why the caterers who were sacked in 2008 did not take up the matter in court if they felt aggrieved, Mr Attah said although the matter was taken to court, it has since not reach finality due to consistent adjournments.
By Stephen Kwabena Effah|3news.com|Ghana
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