The headmistress of OLA Girls Senior High School in Kenyasi, Ahafo Region, confirmed diverting GHS 357,000 designated for student feeding to support the school's operational needs. Madam Beatrice Adongo made this admission while appearing before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee in Kumasi.
Madam Adongo explained that the reallocation was necessary to keep the school running due to financial constraints. The Auditor-General’s report showed the school received GHS 682,000 for student feeding. Only GHS 324,000 was spent on meals, leaving GHS 357,000 repurposed for administrative and operational costs.
This incident reflects a recurring issue within Ghana's education sector regarding the timely and adequate release of funds to schools. Delays in government disbursements often compel school administrations to make difficult financial decisions. Five other senior high schools, including Hwidiem SHS and Acherensua SHS, also reported similar situations concerning feeding grants. This indicates systemic challenges in how educational institutions manage their finances amid insufficient regular funding.
Abena Osei Asare, Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, strongly cautioned school authorities against unauthorized reallocations of public funds. She emphasized the critical need for schools to follow strict financial regulations. Madam Asare also called on the Ministry of Education to ensure consistently timely fund releases to schools. This action would reduce financial pressure on administrators and prevent further misuse of allocated funds.
The implications of such diversions are significant for student welfare and educational quality. Students risk having their nutrition compromised when feeding funds are repurposed, potentially affecting their health and academic performance. The practice also undermines public trust in financial accountability within state institutions. Future audits and committee hearings will likely continue to scrutinize school finances. The Ministry of Education faces increased pressure to reform its funding distribution mechanisms to prevent these issues from recurring across the country.