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The School Feeding Program caterers have rejected the GH¢1.20 increment presented by Lariba Zuweira Abudu, the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
According to the caterers, the increase is inadequate and unacceptable. As a result, they have ceased their services since schools reopened and are demanding the government raise the daily amount allocated per child and settle the outstanding arrears.
To end their strike, the aggrieved caterers are requesting payment of GH¢3.50 per child. Dorothy Ofori Sarpong, the spokesperson for the caterers in the Ashanti Region, expressed dissatisfaction with the Minister’s response to their grievances. Sarpong stated, “Despite the Minister’s statement, we remain on strike. We were not satisfied with what she had to say. She claimed that all arrears had been cleared, except for the 2022 third term, but this is untrue. There are arrears dating back to 2019, 2020, and 2021… So, if she is asserting that all arrears have been paid, it is false.”
“We cannot agree to the proposed amount of GH¢1.20. It is insufficient for us to provide quality meals for the children. Therefore, we hope the Minister will reconsider and return with a better offer.”
The caterers’ leadership in the Ashanti Region, taking part in the government’s school feeding programme, also expressed their dissatisfaction with the Gender Minister’s approach to addressing their concerns.
The caterers are requesting the Minister visit various districts to understand better the challenges their members face.
During the Meet the Press series on Sunday, Minister Lariba Zuweira Abudu assured the striking caterers that plans are underway to settle the outstanding arrears for the third term of the 2022 academic year.
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Source: Omanghana.com
