03/05/2025 – The recent decision by the Ghana School Feeding Programme secretariat under the instruction sector minister of the President John Dramani Mahama led government, to terminate the contracts of caterers under the Ghana School Feeding Programme has come to me with profound disappointment, outrage, and an acute sense of injustice. This abrupt and politically motivated action smacks of nothing but vindictiveness, discrimination, and an utter disregard for the dignity and welfare of hardworking Ghanaian women who have served diligently and faithfully.
These caterers, most of whom are women with dependents, have committed their resources, time, and energy to feed schoolchildren across the country, not only as a source of livelihood but also as a service to national development. Yet, with no just cause or reasonable notice, they have been dismissed without consideration for the third term of the 2024/2025 academic calendar, a term they were preparing for in good faith. This is not only unacceptable but a clear breach of natural justice and fair administrative process.
What is particularly worrying and disturbing is that the caterers had taken substantial loans and procured foodstuffs in readiness to begin cooking for the third term, only to be abruptly informed that their contracts had been terminated. How are they expected to repay these loans? And what becomes of the foodstuffs they have already purchased? This decision smacks of insensitivity, injustice, and a complete lack of due consideration for the livelihoods of these hardworking individuals.
I am compelled to remind the public and this government that under the previous administration, when the NDC handed over power to the NPP in 2017, caterers perceived to be sympathetic to the NDC were not summarily dismissed. They were allowed to serve for a full academic year before any decisions were taken regarding the renewal or termination of their contracts. That act of goodwill was a mark of statesmanship, maturity, and a deep understanding of the implications of such decisions on the livelihoods of individuals and the stability of a key national programme.
Why has this government not extended the same courtesy? Why terminate the contracts just before the third and final term of the academic year, disrupting not only the lives of caterers but also the consistency of meal provision to our school children? This inconsiderate act further exposes the callousness with which this administration is handling the School Feeding Programme and by extension, the lives of poor and vulnerable communities.
Let it be known that if the government does not immediately reverse this unjust termination, I shall be left with no option but to seek redress in the courts of law on behalf of the caterers. I will not hesitate to pursue this matter legally to its logical conclusion, including filing a petition with the, World Bank, World Food Programme (WFP), the Partnership for Child Development, and UNICEF, as well as national organizations like the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Dutch embassy, Social Protection and other key partners in the School Feeding Programme, to alert them of the political victimization and targeted maltreatment being meted out to caterers who have served with loyalty, diligence, and competence.
In a further blow to decency and governance ethics, I have also observed with disgust the unjust dismissal of District Officers of the Ghana School Feeding Programme who are by law civil servants. These officers have been sacked arbitrarily, without due process, and without cause. This action is not only illegal but reflects a travesty of justice, gross insensitivity, and pure wickedness. The blatant politicization of our public institutions under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC government is a dangerous precedent that must be resisted by all well-meaning Ghanaians.
These are professionals who have committed years of service to the state. Many have families who depend on them. Stripping them of their livelihoods without due recourse is a direct assault on the principles of public service and a betrayal of their loyalty to the Republic.
I therefore call on civil society, religious leaders, development partners, and all patriotic citizens to stand up against this blatant abuse of power and politically driven purging of state institutions. The Ghana School Feeding Programme must be protected from political manipulation. The livelihoods of caterers and district officers cannot and must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.
I would want to demand:
An immediate reversal of the termination letters issued to the caterers. A reinstatement of dismissed District Officers. A moratorium on political interference in the operations of the School Feeding Programme.
Let this serve as a final notice that if these demands are not met, I will pursue all available legal, diplomatic, and public advocacy channels to ensure that justice is served.
I will not rest until fairness is restored, and those who have been wronged are vindicated.
SIGNED
Hajia Safia Mohammed
(Immediate past National Coordinator of GSFP)
0244979299
Saaka Alhassan
Modern Star Sher
Post Office Box TL 1581
Tamale-Northern Region
Ghana
+233 554048271/+233 260969214
