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Caterers under the Ghana School Feeding Programme have started receiving overdue payments for the third term of 2024.
This announcement was made by Nana Amoh Otu Sekyi, the national president of the School Feeding Caterers Association, following a commitment by the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman, to settle the arrears. While this marks a significant step forward, logistical hurdles remain for many caterers, particularly those in rural areas.
Nana Amoh Otu Sekyi revealed that payments began on December 31, 2024, at around 6 p.m. However, access to funds has been uneven.
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“Thankfully, they kept their word and made the payment. Some caterers were able to access the money on January 1, 2025, thanks to e-zwich machines located outside certain banks,” she said.
Unfortunately, caterers in rural areas or those affected by banking holidays have faced delays in accessing their funds.
She expressed hope that these challenges would be resolved promptly. “By January 2, 2025, we expect that everyone will receive their alerts. The delays are largely due to the New Year’s holiday and limited banking facilities in rural communities,” she explained.
While the recent payments address a portion of the government’s debt to caterers, arrears dating back to 2019 remain unsettled.
Nana Amoh Otu Sekyi shared that she had been contacted by the chief accountant on December 31, 2024, regarding the 2019 arrears. “I am scheduled to meet with them on January 2 to discuss this further. We are optimistic about receiving positive updates next week,” she added.
The resolution of these longstanding arrears is critical for the caterers, many of whom have pre-financed meals with the expectation of timely reimbursements. The delays have placed significant financial strain on them, with some facing mounting pressure from creditors.
The Ghana School Feeding Programme has been plagued by delays in payments, leading to widespread frustration among caterers. On December 30, 2024, scores of caterers staged a demonstration at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. They demanded immediate payment for arrears spanning two academic terms in 2023 and 2024.
The caterers’ protests were fuelled by repeated missed deadlines. Government assurances to settle the debts in August, September, and November 2024 all fell through, leaving many caterers skeptical. A government statement promising payment by December 31, 2024, did little to assuage their concerns due to its lack of an official signature and the history of unmet commitments.
The delays have had a ripple effect on the caterers and the program as a whole. Many caterers have taken loans or used personal funds to ensure meals were provided to schoolchildren. “This situation has become dire,” Nana Amoh Otu Sekyi noted. “Our members have been financially crippled, and the continuous delays are unacceptable.”
The caterers have called on the government to implement measures ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of the Ghana School Feeding Programme. They stress the need for a reliable payment schedule to prevent future disruptions.
