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The present GH₵ 7.50p meal charge for senior high school pupils is inadequate, according to Primus Baro, national secretary of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS).
On Thursday, January 16, Kojo Yankson asked if the sum was sufficient to feed a child on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show. Mr. Baro responded, “My immediate response to that is that it is not enough.”
Mr. Baro admitted that the fee was inadequate, but he also stated that they would not put too much pressure on the incoming administration by demanding an instant raise. “Considering the transitional issues and the very serious matter of food shortages, this is something we would have to manage,” he said.
He did, however, convey his confidence that the matter will be discussed with the government. “But going forward, I believe there will be a forum to review these figures and come up with something realistic, both in terms of the government’s ability to pay and in meeting at least a minimum standard of feeding in the schools,” he stated.
“For now, it is not enough, but if we get it, fine. In the near future, I believe we will all agree on a more suitable figure,” he emphasised.
For secondary schools, the government currently gives GH₵ 7.50 pesewas per student for three meals every day.
Only GH₵ 2.50 of this sum can be used to buy perishable food; the government uses the remaining GH₵5.00 to purchase other food supplies, which are subsequently given to the schools.
Speaking about the ongoing food shortage that is impacting schools nationwide, Mr. Baro disclosed that a meeting with government representatives had been arranged to discuss the matter. He received assurances that more funds would be provided to schools to help ease the situation by the end of Friday, January 17.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
