The National Coordinator for the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP), Hajia Fati Forgor, has given a strong assurance to caterers under the programme that the era of delayed payments, which often led to disruptions in meal provision for pupils, is over. She attributed the new turnaround to President John Dramani Mahama’s reset agenda, which has made funds readily available to pay caterers on time.
“As it is now, I think when we roll out these new caterers, some were of the view that it’s going to be as usual, we’ll cook for several months, and we’ll not even know when our money will be paid. As I rightly said, it is a thing of the past”, she stated.
Speaking at an orientation in Bolgatanga for 1,389 newly recruited caterers in the Upper East Region, Hajia Forgor said the government has increased the feeding grant from GH¢1.50 to GH¢2 per child, and funds have already been released to ensure prompt payment going forward.
“As I speak to you, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and the government have made your money readily available for people. And this will be done in due course. As soon as we finish with the data that we are taking from all of you, which will assist us in knowing those who actually cook and those who did not, we should be able to pay you as soon as possible”, she added.
She added that the previous caterers who worked under the previous government but had their contracts terminated in May this year were paid GH¢2 per child instead of the GH¢1.50 in their appointment letters.
“They had the opportunity to benefit from the reset that we have started at the Ghana School Feeding Program. They were paid two cedis per pupil. In fact, they were overwhelmed because they least expected that. They didn’t believe that we were going to do it, but we have done it”, she added.
She cautioned caterers against negligence, warning that those who fail to cook for ten consecutive school days risk losing their contracts. She emphasized that the programme’s goal is not only to feed children but also to boost school enrollment and retention, especially in deprived areas.
The Upper East Regional Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme, Fawzia Yakubu Abagnamah, on her part, issued a strong caution to caterers in the region, urging them to strictly adhere to the objectives of the programme by providing pupils with both quality and adequate meals. Madam Abagnamah reminded them that the success of the programme depends heavily on their dedication to ensuring that school children receive nutritious meals that encourage enrollment and retention in schools.
She warned that her office will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against any caterer who fails to meet the expected standards. “We will not compromise on quality and quantity. Any caterer who acts contrary to the objectives of the School Feeding Programme will face swift action from my office,” she stressed.
According to her, the programme is not just about feeding children but also about contributing to their health, well-being, and educational outcomes. She called on caterers to view their role as a critical service to the future of the region. Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Roland Atanga Ayoo, commended the orientation exercise, stressing that school feeding remains key to improving education in the region.
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