Tamale: Hajia Safia Mohammed, the immediate past National Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP), has threatened to take legal action against the government following the termination of contracts of caterers under the programme, which she claims is unjust.
According to Ghana News Agency, Hajia Safia Mohammed expressed her disappointment and outrage in a statement, criticizing the decision by the GSFP Secretariat as politically motivated. She warned that if the government does not reverse the termination, she will seek legal redress on behalf of the affected caterers.
The statement revealed plans to file petitions with international bodies such as the World Bank, World Food Programme, UNICEF, the Canadian International Development Agency, USAID, the Dutch Embassy, and the International Monetary Fund. The aim is to alert these organizations about the alleged political victimization and targeted maltreatment of the caterers who have been loyal and diligent in their service.
The termination of contracts has been described as vindictive and discriminatory, showing a blatant disregard for the dignity and welfare of the caterers. Many of them depend on the programme for their livelihoods and have taken substantial loans and procured foodstuffs in preparation for the upcoming school term. The abrupt dismissal has left them in a precarious financial situation, raising concerns about loan repayments and the fate of purchased foodstuffs.
The statement also condemned the dismissal of GSFP District Officers, stating they were removed from office without due process.