Confusion Rocks Ghana’s School Feeding Program Amid New Recruitment Directive from NDC’s Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey

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The nationwide chaos engulfing Ghana’s School Feeding Program has been linked to a recent recruitment directive issued by Fiifi Fiavi Kwettey, the National Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The directive, which involves revoking appointments and reallocating caterer positions, has left millions of school children across the country without meals, fueling frustration among parents, teachers, and stakeholders.

A confidential letter obtained by Info Radio reveals that the appointment of 20 percent of caterers engaged under the program is to be revoked. A letter, addressed to the Upper West Regional Coordinator of the School Feeding Program and authored by Peter Lanchene Toobu, Member of Parliament for Wa West Constituency, outlines a significant reduction in caterer allocations.

Specifically, the letter states that the 30 percent slot allocated for caterers responsible for providing one hot meal daily to beneficiary schools should be drastically cut to 10 percent—a protocol established at the national secretariat.

According to the document, out of the 30 percent allocation, 36 caterers were initially appointed to serve 36 schools within Wa West district. However, following the directive, the MP instructed the regional coordinator to terminate the appointments of 24 caterers—effectively reassigning these vacancies to the district assembly for redistribution.

This move has triggered widespread confusion and discontent across the district and beyond. In Wa West, for example, the MP reportedly went further by recruiting new caterers to replace those already serving at various schools, despite the absence of official appointment letters.

Inferring from investigations by Info Radio, the MP has been personally contacting caterers with existing appointment letters, instructing them to vacate their posts in favor of new recruits—many of whom lack formal training or health clearance.

A particularly troubling incident occurred at Nakor Primary School, where the MP allegedly called the caterer assigned to the school Madam Memuna, instructing her to step down and hand over to a new caterer appointed without proper procedures.

The new recruits reportedly began preparing meals without requisite training or health checks, raising concerns over food safety and the well-being of pupils.

Parents and community members have voiced their frustrations, noting that the chaos has resulted in some schools temporarily ceasing to benefit from the feeding program. This disruption has contributed to declining enrollment and attendance, further impacting the education of vulnerable children.

Attempts to get comments from the key stakeholders have been met with refusal. When contacted, the Wa West MP, Peter Lanchene Toobu, declined to comment on the matter. Similarly, Prisca Domenyevi Kuupol Bagonluri, the Upper West Regional Coordinator for the School Feeding Program, stated that she has been directed not to speak on the issue.

The situation underscores the urgent need for clear communication and proper administrative procedures to ensure the continuity and safety of the school feeding initiative, which plays a vital role in promoting education and nutrition among Ghana’s school children.

As investigations continue, affected parents and stakeholders are calling for immediate intervention from authorities to restore order and prevent further disruptions in the program.