Without last-minute government intervention, High Schools under the SHS free program could be closed and students repatriated.
This is a result of the school feeding crisis which is said to have reached alarming and deteriorating levels, according to students, teachers and principals who requested anonymity.
The government through the Department of Education is said to owe food suppliers about GHC800 million.
Our in-depth investigation revealed that the situation began to worsen about a year ago when food suppliers decided to provide school meals in buildings while their remaining debts began to pile up.
“There are 18 different types of food to be handled by our suppliers. They will give you something and promise to bring it later, and even if you do not get these things at their proper price. So we started asking questions, and we realized that it was because the government had not paid for the original equipment, ”one principal told the portfolio.
Malnutrition in high schools is fraught with harmful consequences.
“We all know that food is a safety issue. A hungry student is an angry student. "Because of the poor eating environment we are constantly facing threats of violence, chaos and protests that could endanger a peaceful environment where teaching and learning are needed," said a frustrated principal.
In addition to security at various institutions students have been forced to overeat recently. "In order to fill our stomachs with learning we have no choice but to eat anything mixed with food in the name of food," said one second-year student at Ashanti District. "
In the words of one teacher, “… .the stable, peaceful atmosphere needed for teaching and learning is seriously threatened by the shortage or lack of food choruses we hear in our schools these days. And the first step is better taken by all stakeholders ”.
Our investigation has revealed that the government is working to get the National Food Buffer Stock Company to pay suppliers but there are fears from suppliers we have spoken to across the country that this amount may not be enough to cover all debt.
“The government owes us a lot but you will be there to get a call saying you want a check. When you leave this money is not something that can pay off even 10% of your debt which means you are taking that money but you can't feed the students, ”said the food coordinator in Koforidua.
“We do not know how much the government owes food suppliers but if the Department of Education or the Department of Finance fails to clear the food supply chain, the situation continues, with the exception of schools closing. said the head of the assistant principals' conference (CHASS).
Since last year the leadership of CHASS, GNAT, CTU AND NAGRAT has had reason to raise concerns about healthy eating in high schools and has expressed fears that the situation could disrupt the health of students and make schools less effective in teaching and learning.
It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post.
Attempts to get a response from Buffer Stock, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and Ghana Education Service were unsuccessful.
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