The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has expressed surprise and disappointment at recent remarks made by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, regarding the quality of food served in senior high schools.
The Minister had publicly raised concerns about the “poor quality of food” being provided to students and suggested that the government might reconsider its policy of allowing school heads to directly procure food, a key component of the NDC’s education platform. This policy empowers school heads and bursars to purchase food locally, aiming to enhance quality and efficiency within the school feeding program.
In response to the Minister’s statements, Primus Baro, the National Secretary of CHASS, stated that the comments were unexpected and had not been previously communicated during any discussions with the Ministry or the Ghana Education Service.
“We have not received any formal reports suggesting that schools are serving poor-quality food. The feedback we’ve received rather indicates improvement since headteachers began procuring food themselves,” Baro noted.
Baro clarified that while CHASS does not necessarily insist on maintaining control over food procurement, the current localized system was implemented as a solution to longstanding issues associated with the previous centralized model, including delivery delays and substandard supplies.
“We’re open to whatever decision government takes but expect that, if centralized procurement returns, food is delivered on time and in the right quantities,” he emphasized.
He also urged that any concerns regarding food quality be addressed internally and constructively, rather than through public media channels, to prevent the creation of a misleading impression based on isolated incidents.
On the subject of funding, Baro acknowledged recent delays in financial disbursements due to administrative adjustments but confirmed that funds have since been released, though some outstanding arrears remain. These differing viewpoints between CHASS and the Minister of Education highlight a potential point of contention regarding the implementation of the school feeding program. Sources and related content
