The tranquility of Tokuroano, a farming community nestled in the Krachi East Municipality of Ghana’s Oti Region, has been disrupted by a simmering controversy surrounding the award of a school feeding contract. The dispute, centered on the Tokuroano Primary ‘A’ school, has pitted local branches of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) against the Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, and the Regional Executive Committee. The conflict escalated to the point of disrupting the school feeding program, leaving students without meals on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, and raising concerns about the future of the program in the community.
At the heart of the contention is the awarding of the contract to Mr. Mubarak Diplomatic, the Regional Communication Officer, who resides in Nkwanta South Municipality, a different municipality altogether. Local NDC branch executives argue that this decision overlooks qualified party members within Tokuroano who actively campaigned for the party during the 2024 elections and had applied for the contract. They perceive the decision as a betrayal of their dedication and a disregard for the local community’s interests. This sentiment of unfairness fuels their anger and has led to direct action against the program’s implementation.
Mr. Samuel Kofi Kunney, the branch organizer of Tokuroano NDC, has been vocal in expressing the community’s displeasure. He contends that awarding the contract to an outsider disregards the contributions of local party loyalists and undermines the economic benefits that the contract could bring to the community. His warning to government officials to stay away from the community, particularly in matters concerning the school feeding program, underscores the escalating tension and the potential for further confrontation. This strong stance indicates a deep-seated frustration and a resolve to ensure that their grievances are addressed.
The disruption of the school feeding program on September 10th provides concrete evidence of the local NDC branch’s commitment to their demands. Madam Hawa Yakubu, the designated cook for the program, confirmed that she was instructed by the branch executives to remove the prepared meal from the school premises, effectively preventing the children from receiving their intended meal. This act highlights the seriousness of the dispute and the willingness of the local NDC branch to take direct action to pressure the regional authorities. It also brings into sharp focus the unintended consequences of the contract dispute, with the most vulnerable – the school children – bearing the brunt of the disagreement.
The school feeding program, a crucial initiative aimed at providing nutritious meals to school children, primarily using locally sourced foodstuffs, has become entangled in this political dispute. Beyond providing nourishment, the program aims to stimulate local agricultural production and alleviate hunger in the community. The disruption in Tokuroano jeopardizes these objectives and underscores the importance of a swift and equitable resolution to the conflict. The program’s success hinges on community cooperation and local ownership, elements that are currently fractured in Tokuroano.
The unavailability of Mr. Diplomatic, the figure at the center of the controversy, for comment further complicates the situation. The Ghana News Agency’s (GNA) unsuccessful attempts to reach him underscore the difficulty in obtaining a balanced perspective on the issue and hinder efforts to mediate a solution. His absence from the public discourse leaves a void in understanding the rationale behind the contract award and contributes to the escalating mistrust within the community. This lack of communication exacerbates the existing tensions and makes finding a resolution more challenging. The need for open dialogue between all parties involved is crucial to restoring trust and ensuring the smooth operation of the school feeding program in Tokuroano.
