President Akufo-Addo has revealed that a sum of GH₵31million has been released by the Ministry of Finance to settle arrears owed to school feeding caterers in the country.
He made the announcement on Takoradi-based radio, Skyypower FM on Saturday, September 4, during his second-day tour of the Western Region.
According to the President, he is happy funds have been released by government to address the challenge, particularly caterers in the Western and Western North regions.
“I am happy to announce that payments have been made to caterers in all the regions. It is true that caterers in the Western and Western North were not paid due to insufficient funds. That has been resolved. The Ministry of Finance has released GH₵31 million cedis for the payment of caterers,” he stated.
His statement comes at a time when the Ghana National School Feeding Caterers Association (GNSFCA) has appealed to the government to increase the feeding fees by 50%. Thus, from GH¢1.00 to GH¢1.50 pesewas.
They say the current grant is unable to cater for much in the current economy.
Public Relations Officer of GNSFCA, Mrs Caroline Aboagye, who made the call at a press conference in Accra, said, the increase would go a long way to help the caterers prepare sumptuous and more nutritious meals for the pupils.