The National School Feeding Caterers’ Association has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in what they describe as an abrupt and unjust termination of their contracts by the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP).
In a letter dated May 7, 2025, and addressed to the President through the Chief of Staff, the Association expressed deep concern over a termination notice issued on May 2, 2025. The directive, signed by the National Coordinator of the GSFP, Hajia Fati Forgor, ends the contracts of all existing caterers with immediate effect.
According to the caterers, the move threatens the livelihoods of over 12,000 caterers and more than 45,000 cooks across the country.
“The manner and timing of this termination is not only profoundly unfair, but appears to be an orchestrated action that disregards the sacrifices and efforts of thousands of women and men who have served diligently,” the petition stated.
The group warned that the sudden termination could cause widespread financial hardship among its members, many of whom have already invested in food supplies using personal funds or high-interest loans in preparation for the new school term – the third term. They emphasized that the short notice undermines their ability to recover from such financial commitments and exposes them to debt, poverty, and emotional distress.
Beyond personal impact, the Association raised alarms over the potential consequences for schoolchildren.
“It is our understanding that new caterers have not yet been fully procured, trained, or medically screened, meaning the children are likely to return to school without meals—an outcome that contradicts the very essence of the School Feeding Programme,” the statement said.
The caterers are therefore appealing to President Mahama to direct the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the GSFP Secretariat to suspend the implementation of the termination and allow current caterers to continue serving meals until the end of the third term of the academic year.
“We are ready, equipped, and adequately prepared to continue our service with the food items already purchased and the necessary personnel in place,” the group assured.
Signed by National President Nana Amo Sakyi-Otu and other executives, the petition was also copied to key stakeholders including the Gender Ministry, Ministry of Finance, IMF, World Bank, World Food Programme, and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The Association concluded its petition with an appeal to the President’s legacy of compassion and social justice, urging him to protect the livelihoods of caterers and the nutritional welfare of schoolchildren.
The Ghana School Feeding Programme, which provides free one hot meal to basic school pupils across the country, has long been praised for improving school attendance and reducing child hunger.
However, it has faced persistent challenges, including funding delays and allegations of politicization in contract allocations.
Source: Newstitbits.com