Amid the implementation of the government’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program, Senior High School (SHS) heads across Ghana are facing challenges in providing adequate meals for students, leading some to resort to barter trading, according to the Executive Director of Educate Africa Institute, William Boadi.
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Boadi disclosed this during an interview on Accra 100.5 FM’s mid-day news on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. He expressed concern about the situation, highlighting instances where SHS heads are engaging in barter trading with other schools due to food shortages.
The Executive Director emphasized the lengths to which headteachers are going to ensure students receive meals, underscoring the critical issue of food supply unavailability.
The revelation comes in the wake of allegations of food theft at Somè SHS in the Volta Region. Three officials, including the bursar, matron, and storekeeper, have been suspended by the Ghana Education Service (GES) pending investigation.
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The suspended officials, Mr. Richard Ametorxe (bursar), Ms. Yorm Dzikumu (matron), and Mr. Alex Obuadi (storekeeper), have been directed to hand over their duties to the headmaster immediately.
The investigation was initiated following a search conducted by alumni and an Assembly Member, revealing the bursar and matron leaving the school premises with various food items. Items such as tomato paste, mackerel, cleaning agents, and insecticide spray were found in possession of the matron.
Additionally, two other staff members, including an assistant headmistress and a cook, have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the scheme to steal food meant for students.
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