Caterers under the Ghana School Feeding Programme have started receiving their overdue payments for the third term, according to the National President of the School Feeding Caterers Association, Nana Amoh Otu Sekyi.

This progress follows a promise made by the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman, to settle the arrears.

Speaking to Citi News, Nana Amoh Otu Sekyi explained that while some caterers have successfully accessed their funds, others face delays due to bank holidays and limited banking facilities in rural areas.

• Read also: School Feeding caterers besiege Gender Ministry over non-payment of arrears

“Thankfully, they kept their word and made the payment on 31st December around 6 p.m. Some caterers were able to access the money on 1st January because certain banks have e-zwich machines outside.

“However, others have reported difficulties in accessing the funds. Hopefully, by 2nd January, everyone will receive their alerts. The delay is largely due to today being a holiday, and caterers in rural areas without easy access to banks may need to wait until regular working days to confirm receipt,” she explained.

Nana Amoh Otu Sekyi also expressed hope that the arrears owed to caterers since 2019 would soon be addressed.

“The chief accountant contacted me on 31st December regarding the 2019 arrears. I will meet with them on 2nd January to discuss this further. We are optimistic about receiving positive news next week,” she added.

Background

The recent payments to caterers under the Ghana School Feeding Programme follow months of frustration and protest.

On December 30, scores of caterers staged a demonstration at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, demanding payment for arrears covering two academic terms for 2023 and 2024.

The caterers, who had traveled from various parts of the country, expressed their disappointment with the government’s repeated delays.

Despite assurances from the Controller and Accountant General's Department that funds had been released to the Ministry, the caterers claimed they had yet to receive any payments.

President of the School Feeding Caterers Association, described the situation as dire, highlighting the financial strain on members who pre-financed meals with the expectation of timely reimbursement.

She noted that the government had promised on multiple occasions to settle their debts, but deadlines in August, September, and November all passed without payment.

The caterers’ decision to protest was a last resort, as many faced mounting pressure from creditors. Their demands for transparency and accountability came after the government issued a statement lacking an official signature promising payment by December 31. Skeptical of the promise, the caterers voiced their frustrations, citing years of unmet commitments.