The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) is urging the Government of Ghana to urgently resolve the challenges that have befallen the school feeding programme in recent times, especially the on-going strike of the caterers.  We are deeply concerned about the plight and welfare of the school children who will be affected due to the ongoing strike. The strike, will affect the over 5000 schools across the country which benefit from the programme and can potentially erode all the positive milestones gained over the years in enrolling and retaining children in school.

The ongoing strike by the caterers of the school feeding programme presents a human security threat for the over 3,448,065 pupils in 10,832 public basic schools and their families.

We are concerned that the strike will increase a school dropout rates if prolonged with far reaching consequences for community and national security. The programme also has direct correlation with the Free SHS programme and it is crucial Government acts fast with a sense of urgency to resolve issues of the school feeding programmes.

We also urge Government to use this opportunity to comprehensively resolve all other issues and challenges of the programme.  

We are of the view that the current economic situation of the country is not justification for government to abandon its social responsibilities towards the poor and vulnerable citizens and communities. 

We call on government to urgently engage and dialogue the caterers to the programme to ensure they resume work in the nearest possible future.

We urge the Government to revisit the initial projections made by the MoGCSP during the National Dissemination event in Cape Coast on the School Feeding programs Cost Benefit Analysis and also increase the amount spent on each child by 50 percent. The increment will amount to 1.50 which is manageable.

We also urge the MoGCSP to engage in wider consultations in the processes of putting in place measures that will ensure efficient and effective service delivery to all the schools as well as the caterers.

Theodora W. Anti

Ag. Executive Director

Contact No. 0205336268

Email: Theodora@fosda.org