Media practitioner and co-host of A1 Radio’s morning show Day Break Upper East, Samuel Kantomse Adagom, has called on the government and relevant authorities to urgently address concerns surrounding the politicization of contract awards under the Ghana School Feeding Programme.
His comments follow recent unrest in parts of the Bolgatanga Municipality, where enraged youth from the Basengo-Yokoko Electoral Area stormed three public basic schools and forcibly locked their kitchens. The protesters claimed political marginalization in the awarding of catering contracts, alleging that local residents had been unfairly excluded in favor of individuals viewed as politically connected outsiders. The protest disrupted the supply of meals to pupils under the government’s flagship School Feeding Programme.
Speaking during a discussion on Day Break Upper East, Mr. Adagom examined the deeper political undercurrents fueling the protests. He noted that many community members had been made promises by political actors, suggesting that their loyalty to a party would earn them contracts once the party gained power.
“When you see these people up in arms like this, it means they know what they are doing. They are not ignorant. They see what happens. They know what they were told, and that is why we are seeing these things happening,” he stated.
Mr. Adagom raised critical concerns about how political favoritism has infiltrated the Ghana School Feeding Programme. According to him, appointments are frequently based on political affiliations rather than merit, professionalism, or culinary expertise. This, he argued, undermines the core objective of the programme — to deliver nutritious meals to schoolchildren.
He added, “If you look at this concern, their problem is that they should be the ones contracted to do the catering services, rather than strangers. But the question is — do you want the schoolchildren to be fed properly, or do you want locals to benefit from the job irrespective of their qualification?”
Mr. Adagom emphasized that school feeding is a critical national programme that impacts the health and academic performance of children. He advocated for a merit-based approach to contract distribution — one that prioritizes trained and certified caterers, especially unemployed youth with relevant skills and qualifications.
“You are dealing with the future of children. You’re dealing with people who must be able to prepare proper meals for them — not just anything that is called food. You need people who are capable,” he asserted.
He also stressed the need to move beyond political considerations in public service delivery, particularly in education and nutrition programmes. “If we truly want to reset Ghana and build a better society, then we must move beyond party lines. Get certified caterers, give them the contracts, let them feed the kids well with all the nutrients in the meals. Then you will be delivering quality services, not just engaging in politics,” Mr. Adagom said.
He concluded by warning that failure to tackle these systemic issues could deepen mistrust in public programmes and fuel political unrest, especially in already vulnerable communities across Ghana’s regions.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga|
