School Feeding Caterers Association urges President Mahama to reverse contract cancellations, citing broken promises and looming financial hardship as schools prepare to reopen.
The School Feeding Caterers Association of Ghana has issued an urgent appeal to President John Dramani Mahama, calling on him to reverse what they describe as a sudden and distressing cancellation of their contracts. With public schools expected to reopen next week, the caterers warn that the government’s decision risks disrupting the national school feeding programme and plunging hundreds of caterers into financial hardship.
Speaking on behalf of the association, President Nana Otu Sakyi-Amo expressed deep disappointment over the abrupt termination of contracts, which she said contradicts the pledges made by President Mahama during his recent presidential campaign. According to her, the move is not only unexpected but also threatens the livelihood of many caterers who had taken out loans in anticipation of the new school term.
“This is not what he promised us,” Sakyi-Amo said during an interview on Channel One on Friday, May 2, 2025. “He didn’t promise putting us into debts or letting bankers chase us from our homes because we’ve borrowed money to buy foodstuffs.”
She explained that many members of the association had stocked food items on credit and secured loans from financial institutions to meet the expected demand for meals when schools resume. With the government’s decision to revoke their contracts, however, they now face defaulting on loans and are at risk of financial ruin.
Nana Otu Sakyi-Amo acknowledged that the Mahama administration had recently increased the feeding grants, a move that initially signaled hope for caterers. But she said the latest cancellation contradicts the broader promise of sustained support for school feeding service providers.
“The feeding grant was indeed increased, and we appreciated that step,” she said. “But how can we benefit from that when we no longer have contracts to cook? We’ve made investments with the expectation of serving the children, and now we’re being sidelined without explanation.”
The School Feeding Programme, a flagship social intervention in Ghana, provides daily meals to thousands of public basic school pupils. It is not only essential for child nutrition and school attendance but also a source of income for hundreds of caterers—many of whom are women supporting families.
With schools set to reopen in the coming week, the caterers warn that if the government does not reverse its decision or issue a clear directive, meals may not be available to pupils when they return to the classroom.
“We are still pleading with His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to come out and speak through the ministry by Monday, so we can go back and cook for the children,” Sakyi-Amo added.
She stressed that the caterers are not seeking confrontation but dialogue and fairness. “We have served diligently under very tough conditions, sometimes even with delayed payments. All we ask is for the President to honor his word and allow us to continue supporting the educational system through our services.”
The association is calling on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and other relevant authorities to intervene swiftly. They believe that with proper communication and goodwill, the school feeding programme can be saved from unnecessary disruption, ensuring both children’s nutrition and caterers’ livelihoods are protected.
As Monday approaches, the caterers remain hopeful that their appeal will reach the President and that swift action will be taken to prevent further chaos in the school system.
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