The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, has explained that the ongoing food shortages in Senior High Schools (SHSs) across the country are primarily due to suppliers’ concerns over the future of their contracts under the new government.
This uncertainty has created a significant challenge in ensuring a steady food supply to the schools under the School Feeding Programme.
Mr Asare pointed out that while the issue may be seen as a liquidity challenge, the immediate problem lies with suppliers who are fearful that their contracts may not be renewed or could be terminated altogether.
This fear has made them hesitant to deliver food to schools, leading to the shortages currently being experienced.
“The issue with school feeding is a liquidity challenge. However, within the context of this challenge, the immediate problem is the reluctance of suppliers who are unsure about the future of their contracts,” Mr. Asare stated.
He suggested that a public statement from the new government, affirming that suppliers’ contracts will not be automatically terminated and that payments will be made, would help ease the current tension.
This reassurance, he believes, could help restore the food supply chain and improve the situation in schools.
“A statement from the new government affirming that the contracts are not automatically terminated and that suppliers will be paid would provide some degree of comfort to those in the food supply chain. This reassurance could reverse the current situation,” Mr Asare suggested.
He further stressed that such a statement from the Mahama administration could bring relief and restore normalcy in schools, enabling food suppliers to provide sufficient food for students.
However, he also emphasised the need for long-term solutions, such as addressing the liquidity issues in the sector.
“It is possible that once such a statement is issued, things will improve. That is what we need right now. In the long term, we must address the liquidity issues,” he added during a media discussion on Thursday.
The Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) has also expressed concern over the feeding challenges and urged parents and guardians to support the schools during this period.
CHASS highlighted that food shortages are particularly severe in some regions, affecting students as they have resumed their academic activities.
