Education policy research and advocacy organisation, Africa Education Watch, wants government to probe corruption allegations levelled against the National School Feeding Programme.
It follows reports of wrongful payment of funds to the tune of GHC 965,000 to caterers in non-existing schools and misappropriation of school feeding fund.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is also investigating at least 53 schools over allegations of corruption in the implementation of the Free SHS feeding programme.
A statement issued by Africa Education Watch is questioning why the termination of the appointment of the National Coordinator for the School Feeding Programme, Gertrude Quashigah, was not accompanied by any reason.
The education policy research and advocacy organisation said failure to state the reasons behind the termination of appointment leaves room for various public perceptions to thrive, including genuine accountability concerns.
Background
Government on Monday terminated the appointment of the national coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP), Quashigah, .
The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Sarah Adwoa Safo, terminated her appointment on Tuesday 18 May 2021.
She has been ordered to hand over any official documents relating to the School Feeding Programme in her custody to the chief director of the Gender Ministry.
“You will be paid one month’s salary in lieu of notice as stipulated in your contract agreement,” the letter said.
“We appreciate your support towards the execution of the mandate of the Ghana School Feeding Programme during the period,” it added.
No reasons were given for Quashigah’s dismissal.
However, Asaaseradio.com‘s sources at the Ghana National School Feeding Programme said: “There are a lot of issues bedevilling the programme under her watch, including non-payment of caterers, poor working relationships with directors of the programme and her deputy taking unilateral decisions without consulting the minister.”
Quashigah is yet to comment on her exit.
Fred Dzakpata
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