- Govt pays first term arrears for School Feeding Programme caterers.
- Payment covers full amount, minus 4-day deduction for kitchen cleaning.
- Caterers with issues should report to Regional Coordinators.
- Govt supports School Feeding Programme to improve students' health and learning.
The Government of Ghana has settled the outstanding payments for caterers under the School Feeding Programme, covering the first term arrears in all 16 regions. This move is a significant step towards supporting the Ghana School Feeding Programme and ensuring the continued provision of meals to students across the country.
The School Feeding Secretariat announced the payment in a statement on July 1, stating that the government had paid the first term arrears in full.
The ministry explained that a four-day deduction was made from the total amount owed, as caterers were instructed to utilize the period from October 3-6, 2023, for thorough cleaning and sanitization of their kitchen facilities.
The total number of cooking days for the first term of the 2023/2024 academic year was 58, but the four-day deduction resulted in an adjusted total of 54 cooking days. Caterers with issues of underpayment or no payment have been directed to report to their Regional Coordinators for prompt redress.
The National Secretariat has assured that the issues will be thoroughly investigated to ascertain whether the affected caterers cooked throughout the term or were affected by non-cooking days’ deductions. The Secretariat has urged caterers to remain calm whilst they make the necessary efforts to address the issues.
The Ghana School Feeding Programme is a vital initiative that aims to provide meals to students in public schools, improving their health and academic performance. The government’s payment of the first term arrears demonstrates its commitment to supporting the programme and ensuring the well-being of Ghanaian students.
