A crucial stakeholder meeting convened by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu to resolve challenges in the feeding component of the Free SHS programme has ended in deadlock, deepening fears of an imminent disruption to school operations.
The high-level talks, held on Friday, April 17, 2026 brought together key institutions central to the policy’s implementation including CHASS, GETFund, the Conference of Principals of Technical Institutions (COPTI), the Ghana Commodity Exchange, the National Food Buffer Stock Company and the Free SHS Secretariat.
The meeting followed a formal petition by CHASS, which highlighted severe operational challenges particularly the procurement of perishable food items critical to student feeding. COPTI echoed the concerns, underscoring the growing strain on school authorities.
After deliberations, the Minister directed GETFund to maintain the existing arrangement allowing CHASS to procure perishable food items independently.
However, the directive was strongly resisted by the GETFund Administrator, Mr. Paul Adjei who reportedly challenged the Minister’s authority over procurement decisions and indicated he would not comply.
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The standoff left the matter unresolved, exposing coordination lapses among implementing agencies.
CHASS has since issued a stark warning, hinting at possible school closures if urgent funds are not released to support feeding.
The impasse raises the risk of disruptions to the Free SHS programme, with thousands of students potentially affected if swift intervention is not secured.
Meanwhile, stakeholders are expected to reconvene in the coming days to seek a resolution.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Abdul-Hanan Adam
