They should Keep their Jobs and Give us our Money, Says Caterers’ Spokesperson

Dorothy Ofori, spokesperson for the Ashanti Region School Feeding Caterers, has voiced the frustrations of many caterers by calling on the government to ‘keep his job’ and fulfil his payment obligations under the school feeding program.

“They should keep their jobs and give us our money,” she said.

In an interview with Agudey on Nkwantannanso on June 5, she indicated that a significant number of caterers have already ceased working due to the unpaid arrears.

“Some caterers are still carrying on with their duties out of their loyalty to the NPP party. We are all party members, and some individuals are so dedicated to the party that they continue working regardless of the circumstances,” Dorothy Ofori stated.

She further revealed that approximately 95% of the caterers have stopped working and are now simply awaiting payment of their outstanding arrears. Dorothy emphasized that they are not afraid of losing their jobs since the non-payment situation has become untenable.

Addressing the news of the government’s increase in the cost per school child from GHC0.97p to GH1.20p, she expressed dissatisfaction, asserting that it is not sufficient motivation due to the doubled prices of food items.

“No parent will give their child even GHC2 to buy food because it will not be enough. Besides we are not even sure of the increase because we were told it was a proposal,” she explained.

Dorothy Ofori also highlighted that the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Lariba Zuweira Abudu’s promise of imminent arrears payment is insufficient to encourage caterers to continue working, as many of them have resorted to taking loans with accumulating interest during this financial strain.