Cooks in the Krachi East Municipality are on the brink of halting their services. They prepare meals for thousands of pupils in local basic schools. Unpaid allowances have accumulated for several months. This threatens to disrupt the vital Ghana School Feeding Programme.
Madam Mariama Adisah, one of the affected cooks, stated that they have endured significant hardship. Some cooks have resorted to taking out loans. Others have used their personal savings to continue providing meals. They understand the importance of these meals for the children. The cooks have issued a final warning. They will stop cooking if their allowances are not paid immediately.
This situation reflects broader challenges within the Ghana School Feeding Programme. Funding delays have caused significant financial strain. Caterers have not received government support for an extended period. This forces them to use personal funds. They must also rely on credit from food suppliers. These suppliers are now demanding cash upfront.
Caterers, speaking anonymously, confirmed the lack of financial support from the government. They explained that repeated assurances from officials have not led to payments. The rising costs of food items and transportation add to the burden. Many caterers are already in debt to local traders and financial institutions. This is from purchasing essential ingredients like rice, beans, and cooking oil.
The caterers are appealing for urgent intervention. They are calling on the government and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. The National School Feeding Secretariat is also urged to act. They need an expedited release of funds. This is crucial to prevent a complete breakdown of the programme in the municipality. Failure to act could significantly impact academic activities and the well-being of thousands of pupils.