School feeding caterers threaten to strike over unpaid arrears

In an update, Newsghana24.com can confirm that Caterers under the government’s school feeding programme in the Ashanti region are threatening to go on strike due to the government’s failure to pay outstanding arrears for three academic terms.

The caterers, who are responsible for providing meals to students, have expressed their disappointment and frustration over not receiving payments from September 2023 to June 2024, despite several unfulfilled promises from the government.

The caterers lament that the unpaid arrears are severely impacting their operations.

Many are unable to pay their creditors, who are now threatening legal action against them.

The caterers have issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding that the funds be transferred to their accounts by the end of Wednesday, June 26, or they will initiate a demonstration to express their discontent.

The financial strain on the caterers has become untenable, as they struggle to keep their businesses afloat while providing meals to schoolchildren.

The failure to receive payments has placed them in a precarious position, unable to settle debts and facing the risk of arrest from angry creditors.

This dire situation has forced them to take a stand and demand immediate action from the government.

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Adding to the caterers’ grievances, a study by the education think tank, Africa Education Watch, highlighted the need for a significant increase in funding for the school feeding programme.

According to the Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, the programme requires a 200 percent increase in its budget to ensure the provision of quality food to beneficiaries.

Asare emphasized that an amount of GH¢3 billion is needed to sustain the programme and meet the nutritional needs of the students.

The school feeding programme is crucial for many children in the Ashanti region, providing them with necessary meals that contribute to their overall health and ability to learn.

The caterers play a vital role in this process, ensuring that students receive nutritious meals.

However, the lack of financial support from the government has jeopardized their ability to fulfill this role effectively.

The caterers’ planned demonstration is a cry for help and a plea for the government to address their concerns urgently.

They are seeking the immediate release of funds to cover the unpaid arrears, which would allow them to continue their work without the constant threat of financial instability and legal repercussions.

This situation underscores the importance of reliable funding and support for essential social programmes like school feeding.

The government’s failure to meet its financial obligations not only affects the caterers but also the students who depend on these meals.

It is imperative that the government takes swift action to resolve this issue, ensuring that the caterers are paid and the programme can continue to operate effectively.

In conclusion, the caterers under the school feeding programme in the Ashanti region are at a breaking point due to unpaid arrears.

Their threat to strike highlights the urgent need for the government to address their financial grievances and ensure the sustainability of the programme that benefits countless students.

The call for increased funding by Africa Education Watch further emphasizes the need for substantial investment to maintain the quality and continuity of school feeding initiatives.

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