Sunyani: The implementation of the ‘One Hot Meal’ policy for Senior High Day Schools is facing significant challenges as caterers threaten to halt food services due to unpaid arrears. The caterers are demanding the government settle the outstanding payments to continue providing meals to students.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Conference of the Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) raised the alarm about the situation, highlighting that the feeding grants for perishable and non-perishable food items have been in arrears since June 15, 2025. CHASS urged the government to expedite the release of funds to alleviate the financial strain on schools.
The call for urgent action was made in a communique issued during the 63rd Annual Conference of CHASS, held from October 6 to October 12, 2025, in Sunyani. The conference, themed ‘Ensuring Comprehensive, Equitable, and Sustainable Secondary Education in Ghana – The Role of Stakeholders,’ addressed critical issues affecting secondary education in the country.
The communique, signed by Reverend Father Stephen Owusu Sekyere and Mr. Baro Primus, the National President and National Secretary of CHASS respectively, was shared with the Ghana News Agency. It expressed surprise at the abrupt reversal of the decentralized food procurement system, which had allowed schools to independently procure food from January to July 2025. This change contradicted the President’s initial promise which had provided much-needed stability and addressed challenges related to centrally supplied food.
The communique advocated for schools to be permitted to procure at least the six staple grains, as previously agreed upon with the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, and CHASS. This measure aims to ensure timely and adequate food supply, support local farmers, and stimulate rural economies.
Additionally, CHASS expressed concern over the impact of illegal mining on education, particularly its involvement of students and the degradation of school lands. The communique warned of the dire consequences if this issue remains unchecked and called for urgent national action to address the threat.