Food Shortages in Senior High Schools: Suppliers’ Uncertainty and Government’s Role in Addressing the Crisis

Kofi Asare, the Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, has raised concerns about the growing food shortages in the country’s second-cycle institutions, specifically those under the School Feeding Programme. Asare pointed out that these shortages are partly due to the uncertainty surrounding the future of contracts held by suppliers of foodstuffs to the schools. This uncertainty has created a liquidity challenge, which in turn is severely impacting the availability of food for students.

In a discussion on the Joy FM Super Morning Show, Asare explained that the reluctance of food suppliers to fulfill their contracts stems from fears that their agreements may not be renewed or honored by the new administration. This anxiety has resulted in a situation where suppliers are hesitant to deliver food, leaving schools with insufficient provisions for students.

A Call for Government Reassurance

According to Asare, the immediate solution to the crisis would be for the government to provide a statement assuring food suppliers that their contracts will not be abruptly terminated. Such a statement would go a long way in easing the concerns of suppliers and encourage them to continue delivering food to schools.

“As things stand, there is a liquidity challenge in the system, but the key issue right now is the uncertainty among suppliers,” Asare explained. “If the new government could issue a statement affirming that contracts will not be automatically terminated and that payments will be made, it would offer some reassurance to the suppliers. This would provide much-needed comfort and could help reverse the current food shortage in schools.”

Asare emphasized that while the immediate concern is the uncertainty over contracts, addressing the long-term liquidity issues in the system would be necessary to ensure the sustainability of the School Feeding Programme. However, the pressing issue right now is ensuring that students do not go without food, which is a basic necessity for their academic performance and well-being.

The Role of Parents and Guardians

The situation has led the Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) to urge parents and guardians to step in and help address the food shortages. CHASS has reported that some regions are experiencing particularly dire conditions, with students returning to school only to find inadequate food supplies.

ALSO READ: SDA Church Honors 20 Girls for Preserving Their Virginity in Ghana

In a statement, CHASS highlighted that the food shortage has reached critical levels, prompting them to call on parents to assist with the feeding of their children in the interim. This has added pressure on families, many of whom are already grappling with the economic challenges brought on by the pandemic and other societal issues.

The shortage of food in schools is not just an inconvenience for students; it can have serious implications for their academic performance and overall health. Without adequate nutrition, students may struggle to concentrate in class, affecting their learning outcomes and long-term success.

A System in Need of Long-Term Solutions

While a temporary solution through government reassurance and parental support is crucial in the short term, Asare stressed the importance of addressing the underlying liquidity issues in the School Feeding Programme. The long-term sustainability of the programme depends on securing consistent funding and ensuring that suppliers are paid on time.

The issue of food insecurity in schools underscores the broader challenges faced by the education sector, which continues to grapple with limited resources and an over-reliance on external funding. As governments change, it is essential to maintain continuity in such critical programs, which directly affect the well-being of students and the future of the nation.

Conclusion

The food shortages plaguing the country’s second-cycle institutions are not just a logistical issue; they are a reflection of deeper systemic challenges within the School Feeding Programme. Kofi Asare’s call for government reassurance is an urgent one. A clear and supportive statement from the administration could help restore normalcy in the supply chain, ensuring that food reaches the students who need it most.

However, while short-term solutions like government intervention and parental support are crucial, a more comprehensive approach is necessary to address the long-term financial sustainability of the programme. By addressing liquidity challenges and creating a stable environment for suppliers, the government can ensure that the School Feeding Programme continues to thrive, providing students with the nutrition they need to succeed.

Join our WHATSAPP CHANNEL, WHATSAPP GROUP 1, WHATSAPP GROUP 2 and TELEGRAM CHANNEL to get all relevant teaching resources to make your lessons effective.

Subscribe to this blog and follow us on facebook