We will Go on Naked Demonstration – School Feeding Caterers to Govt

Dorothy Ofori, spokesperson for the Ashanti Region School Feeding Caterers, has said that the caterers will stage a naked demonstration to protest against the unpaid arrears under the School Feeding Programme.

In an interview with Agudey on Nkwantannanso on June 5, she revealed that they had sought a permit from the police to organise the demonstration, initially planning for it to take place on Wednesday.

 However, due to the ban on noise for the Homowo festival, the police advised them to carry out the protest quietly elsewhere.

Amidst the ongoing issues, the spokesperson mentioned rumours circulating that the World Bank is considering cancelling the school feeding program due to perceived lack of transparency. 

She expressed her frustration, noting that the government suddenly proposed an increase in the cost of meals per child from GHC0.97p to GHC1.20p which is not enough. 

“When we go naked, they will know that they have driven us to madness. They do not respect us,” she asserted.

She criticised the government’s lack of faithfulness to the caterers, pointing out that some have not received payment for years.

In response to concerns about being replaced, she stated that 95% of the caterers are currently not working, and they are not worried about potential replacements.

She further added, “We will also respond with thumbprints during the 2024 elections,” implying that the caterers intend to use their votes to voice their grievances and vote against the government.

During a recent press briefing on June 4, the Minister for Gender, Lariba Zuweira Abudu, announced that the ministry has proposed a cost of ₵1.20 per meal per child, effective from 2023. She mentioned ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Finance to explore possibilities for review and assistance. 

Additionally, the minister assured that the arrears owed to the caterers will be settled in the coming days.