Hajia Safia Mohammed, the immediate past National Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP), has issued a scathing condemnation of the recent decision by the GSFP secretariat, under the direction of the sector minister in President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, to terminate the contracts of caterers involved in the program. She characterizes the move as politically motivated, vindictive, discriminatory, and a profound injustice to the hardworking Ghanaian women who have diligently served the program. Mohammed emphasizes the significant disruption this abrupt termination causes, particularly as the caterers had already incurred expenses in preparation for the upcoming academic term, including loans for supplies and the purchase of foodstuffs. She questions the government’s lack of consideration for the financial implications of this decision on these individuals and their families.
Mohammed draws a stark contrast between the current administration’s actions and the precedent set by the previous administration. When the National Democratic Congress (NDC) handed over power to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 2017, caterers perceived to be NDC sympathizers were not immediately dismissed. They were permitted to complete the academic year before any decisions were made regarding their contracts. This, she argues, demonstrated statesmanship and a nuanced understanding of the impact such decisions have on individuals and the stability of a vital national program. The current government’s failure to extend the same courtesy, she asserts, highlights a callous disregard for the well-being of the caterers and the consistent provision of meals to schoolchildren.
The abrupt termination of contracts just before the final term of the academic year, argues Mohammed, is not only insensitive but also disruptive to the children who rely on the program for meals. She expresses deep concern about the government’s handling of the GSFP and the broader implications for vulnerable communities. Mohammed’s statement strongly criticizes the perceived politicization of the program and the lack of due process in the dismissal of caterers. She vows to seek legal redress if the government does not immediately reverse its decision.
Furthermore, Mohammed extends her criticism to include the dismissal of District Officers of the GSFP, who are legally classified as civil servants. Their arbitrary dismissal, she contends, is not only illegal but also a stark injustice and a betrayal of their dedicated service to the state. This action, she argues, reinforces the troubling trend of politicizing public institutions under the current administration, a dangerous precedent that must be resisted. These officers, many with families relying on their income, have been stripped of their livelihoods without due process, a clear violation of public service principles.
Mohammed calls upon civil society, religious leaders, development partners, and all concerned citizens to denounce this perceived abuse of power and the politically motivated purging of state institutions. She emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the GSFP from political manipulation and protecting the livelihoods of the caterers and district officers. She frames the issue not merely as a labor dispute, but as a matter of principle, highlighting the need to uphold fairness and justice within the public sector.
In closing, Mohammed issues a series of demands: the immediate reversal of the termination letters issued to the caterers, the reinstatement of the dismissed District Officers, and a moratorium on political interference in the GSFP. She pledges to pursue all available legal, diplomatic, and public advocacy avenues if these demands are not met, vowing to fight relentlessly until justice is served and those affected are vindicated. This firm stance underscores her commitment to challenging what she perceives as a gross injustice and protecting the integrity of the GSFP.
