Gov’t Terminates Contracts of All Regional and Zonal Coordinators of School Feeding Programme
The government has officially terminated the contracts of all regional and zonal coordinators of the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) in what officials describe as part of a broader restructuring effort. The move, which affects dozens of coordinators across the country, is expected to pave the way for a review of the programme’s administration and efficiency.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, which oversees the programme, the government cited the need for a new operational strategy, improved accountability, and enhanced service delivery as key reasons for the shake-up.
"This decision is aimed at improving the efficiency of the School Feeding Programme and ensuring that it fulfills its core mandate of providing nutritious meals to schoolchildren across the country," the statement read.
School Feeding Programme and Its Challenges
The Ghana School Feeding Programme, established to provide one hot meal a day to public school pupils, has faced significant challenges, including:
- Allegations of corruption and mismanagement, with reports of ghost schools and inflated figures.
- Delays in payments to caterers, leading to strikes and meal shortages.
- Food supply constraints, exacerbated by rising inflation and funding gaps.
The government’s latest move is seen as an attempt to sanitize the system, improve transparency, and ensure better financial accountability.
Reactions from Stakeholders
The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some education and policy analysts welcome the restructuring, arguing that the programme requires a complete overhaul to function effectively. Others, including affected coordinators, have expressed frustration over the abrupt termination, calling for clearer transition plans and due process in rehiring competent personnel.
The Caterers Association of Ghana, whose members have been at the forefront of calls for payment of arrears, has urged the government to focus on resolving payment issues alongside administrative reforms.
What’s Next?
The government is expected to announce new appointments or a revised operational structure in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, stakeholders will be closely monitoring whether these changes lead to real improvements in the delivery of school meals to children across Ghana.
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