A local governance expert, Andrews Bediako, has expressed concerns following President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to the Chief of Staff to ensure that food items, originally earmarked for farmers affected by last year’s drought, be redirected to senior high schools (SHS) facing food shortages.
This directive was issued during a Thanksgiving service and aims to address the growing food crisis in SHS institutions where students have struggled to access adequate meals.
However, Bediako has urged caution in the government’s decision, highlighting that these food items were specifically intended for farmers in eight regions, including the five northern regions, Bono East, and Ahafo.
These regions were severely impacted by a drought, and as part of a contract between the Government of Ghana and the World Bank, farmers who had registered to receive the relief would be the primary beneficiaries of these supplies.
Bediako pointed out the importance of adhering to the terms of the agreement with the World Bank, stating, “These items were procured under a World Bank project, and we must be careful when handling such projects.
World Bank projects are not the same as government-funded initiatives. If we deviate from the agreement, there could be consequences.”
While acknowledging the urgency of addressing food shortages in schools, Bediako stressed that redirecting the food supplies could have unintended implications, especially for the farmers who were expecting the aid.
He also mentioned that some directors within the value chain are unhappy with the government’s directive but are reluctant to voice their concerns due to political pressures following the change in government.
“I understand the President’s intention to prioritize the needs of students, but we must ensure that the allocation of these items does not disrupt the original purpose for which they were intended,” Bediako added.
He called for greater transparency and accountability from the government, urging officials to clarify their engagement with the World Bank to avoid complications.
Government must be very careful, food items at the Tema warehouse are meant for farmers not students – Andrews Bediako.#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/usqrfSzJTU
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) January 15, 2025
