Caterers affected by the recent cancellation of contracts under the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) are seeking intervention from traditional and religious leaders, including the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu.

0

Their appeal comes in response to the termination of all existing caterer contracts, which took effect on May 2, 2025. The directive, issued by GSFP National Coordinator Hajia Fati Forgor, instructed that no caterer should prepare meals for the third term of the 2024/2025 academic year. While government has pledged to clear arrears from the second term, it has yet to communicate when payments will be made or outline a clear plan for re-engagement.

1

On Eyewitness News with Sammi Wiafe, Deputy PRO of the National School Feeding Caterers Association, Madam Margaret Larbi, revealed that the group has begun reaching out to influential figures across the country to help present their case.

2

“Our President said we have petitions to be sent. We’re trying to get in touch with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to intervene,” she disclosed.

3

She further indicated that other respected voices, such as the Chief Imam, would also be approached to help mediate on behalf of the distressed caterers.

4

“So, we’re trying to get him to go and plead on our behalf. We’re trying to go to the Chief Imam. Tomorrow [Friday, May 9], we have a lot to do to send some petitions to other influential individuals in the country to be able to speak on our behalf,” she stated.

5

The mass contract termination has particularly hit hard those caterers who had already procured food supplies in anticipation of the third term.

6

Speaking on Channel One TV, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, clarified that while the government will honour payments for meals already prepared, there will be no compensation for food items bought in advance without official instruction.

7

“I sympathise with the situation. There’s no room for compensation, but for the period that they have cooked, they will be paid,” she said.

8

Dr. Lartey added that the caterers should have been more cautious, given their understanding of the operational challenges facing the programme.

9

“Most of them were not cooking, and they are very much aware they were not cooking. Some too were cooking, but not consistently,” she explained.

10

The ministry says the termination is part of a broader restructuring initiative, with new recruitment procedures expected to be announced soon.

11