Caterers on the School Feeding Programme have rejected the proposed GHC0.20 increment on the current GHC1 cost per meal.
The aggrieved workers declared a nationwide strike in April demanding payment of all arrears and an increase to GHC3.50 per meal.
At a press briefing on Sunday to address the challenge, the gender minister, Lariba Zuweira Abudu, said an increase in the cost per meal to GHC1.20 has been proposed effective 2023.
She said, “I want to ensure that the auditing and due diligence are done. It takes time because of the huge numbers, so you need time for the auditors to review and make sure that every caterer who has cooked has been captured and will be paid. They have to bear with us when their monies are not coming in good time. Certainly, we will pay them and next week we are paying.”
A leading member of the school feeding caterers, Dorothy Sarpong, called out the sector minister. She accused the government of acting in bad faith.
Sarpong said the caterers will not be moved by empty promises this time. They plan to stage a naked demonstration in Accra to demand a presidential intervention.
“This is not good news. So, is the minister telling us that she is now responding to us after hearing our planned naked demonstration at the presidency? Or is it because of the country director of the World Bank’s threats to withdraw funding for the programme that is why she is coming out now?
“Our initial GHC3.50 feeding grant was a proposal. They could have convinced us with GHC2 and we could manage with it. But how can you use GHC1.20 to cook better food for these children? It can’t be possible,” Sarpong fumed.
The leading member of the school feeding caterers said, “As we speak, we have been given the permit [to go on the demonstration]. We wanted to march to the presidency but the ban on noisemaking is still in effect. We wanted to meet at Obra Spot or Black Star Square. The police command in Accra has assured us of protection.”
Report by Lordina Agyemang Duah in the Ashanti Region
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