The Ghana Education Service (GES) has disclosed that close to GH¢200 million has been committed to the procurement of perishable food items for Senior High and Technical institutions across the country.
The figure, revealed by the GES Public Relations Officer, Daniel Fenyi, on Channel One Newsroom on Tuesday, April 21, underscores the scale of funding supporting the feeding component of the Free Senior High School programme.
“As I speak, close to GH¢200 million has been released for the procurement of perishable food items. Over the period, the discussion has been on the perishable food items,” he said.
He explained that while concerns have largely centred on perishable supplies, many schools already have adequate stocks of non-perishable items.
“When it comes to the non-perishables, many of our schools already have abundance of stock. The amount is supposed to cover all the Senior High Schools and Technical Schools,” he added.
Addressing concerns about delays in the release of funds, the GES PRO maintained that the process is deliberate and aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability.
“We wouldn’t even call it a delay especially if you are trying as much as possible to ensure the right appropriations are done. You ensure transparency, more efficient module for the disbursement. You want to ensure every amount you have released could be accounted for. That framework or module will take some time. In an attempt to ensure an improved system, these are some of the side effects you may witness but it is all to improve the system,” he explained.
GES insists that while the verification processes may slow disbursement, they are necessary to safeguard public funds and improve efficiency in the feeding programme.
Source:Fiilafmonline/CitiNews
