The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, has paid the first-term arrears of School Feeding Caterers nationwide.
This payment follows threats of a demonstration by caterers in the Ashanti region over delayed payments.
In a statement, the Head of Public Relations, Siiba Alfa, clarified that the first term of the 2023/2024 academic year, starting on October 3, 2023, included 58 cooking days. However, four days were deducted for kitchen clean-up from October 3 to 6, making the official start date October 9, 2023.
As a result, caterers were compensated for 54 cooking days at a rate of GH¢1.20 per child, based on the actual number of days they provided meals.
The statement also acknowledged complaints of underpayment from some caterers. Those with genuine issues are advised to report to their Regional Coordinators for resolution.
The National Secretariat noted that it will investigate the issues to determine if the caterers cooked for the entire term or were affected by deductions for non-cooking days.
“The issues will be thoroughly investigated to ascertain whether all the affected Caterers cooked throughout the term or they were rather affected by non-cooking days’ deductions. The National Secretariat therefore urges the Caterers to remain calm whilst we make the necessary efforts to address the issues “, portions of the statement read.