The President of the National School Feeding Caterers Association, Nana Okofo Amo Otu-Sam, has called on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to intervene in what she describes as the wrongful termination of contracts for caterers under the Ghana School Feeding Programme.
Her appeal follows a directive issued by Hajia Fati Forgor, National Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP), in a statement dated May 2, ordering the termination of contracts for all caterers.
Speaking in an interview on Happy 98.9 FM’s Happy Morning Show with Fati Shaibu-Ali, Nana Otu-Sam argued that the National Coordinator lacks the authority to terminate contracts, stressing that only the sector Minister has the mandate to do so.
She recounted that on May 5, members of the association visited the Ministry to present their concerns to the Minister, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey. However, they were informed that the Minister was in a meeting and, after waiting until about 7:00 PM, were unable to meet her.
Despite this, she insisted that the association will persist in visiting the Ministry until their grievances are addressed.
She reiterated that the Coordinator’s directive is invalid adding that caterers technically have the right to resume cooking in schools, but are opting to follow due process to maintain peace.
Nana Otu-Sam revealed that a delegation has been sent to the Ashanti Region to prepare a petition for presentation to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to seek his intervention.
She emphasized that the group will continue to converge at the Ministry until their concerns are formally acknowledged and resolved.
