GSFP caterers urged to be ‘calm’

STORY: FROM JAMES APPIAKORANG JR., KUMASI, A/R

The Ashanti regional secretariat of the Ghana School Feeding Program (GSFP) has implored caterers to remain calm, as issues regarding their reimbursements are being worked on by the Ministry of Local Government in conjunction with the National Secretariat of the GSFP.

The regional Coordinator of GSFP, Mrs. Ophelia Antwi-Boasiako, revealed that the school feeding program would in about two weeks complete a nationwide expansion program earmarked to enroll deprived schools on the scheme which hitherto were not on board.

Mrs. Ophelia Antwi-Boasiako call comes in the wake of reports of some silent protests being waged by a group of caterers particularly in the Ashanti Region, who are unhappy with monies currently paid to them as reimbursement for their services.

The school feeding coordinator explained to Today that the re-targeting program by the GSFP was to enhance coverage of the scheme to less affluent schools which are mainly situated in deprived communities within the region.

While admitting that the petroleum hikes has adversely affected caterers, Mr. Antwi Boasiako said the concerns of caterers are being considered.

The regional coordinator said so far the re-targeting program in the region has ensured that 190,000 pupils in basic schools are enrolled on the school feeding program.

She said currently about 1,131,000 pupils are on the feeding scheme nationwide, and added that the expansion in its re-targeting phase would ensure 1,500,000 are enrolled on the program in June this year.