Issues On The Government’s Decision To Decentralize School Feeding Under The Free SHS Policy

Government in an attempt to review the free SHS policy has decided to decentralize school feeding, thus, giving the head of schools (headmasters / headmistresses) money to do their own procurements.

OBJECTIVES OF GOVERNMENT:

* To solve the problem of under-invoicing

* To resolve the issue of food shortage.

* A wholesome food items supplied to students

CHALLENGES:

The challenges associated with the new policy direction;

* The current situation or review policy government is proposing had been the case before the introduction of the FSHS policy in 2017. During those times, the feeding fees were paid directly to the bursars or headmasters by the parents, it was included in the fees. It was bedevilled with corruption, misapplication of feeding fees and embezzlements attributable to the mismanagement of the funds by headmasters or bursars. Suppliers were made to supply goods to headmasters. Suppliers under those regimes faced loss of their working capital because headmasters could not pay for the food items delivered to them.

* We have had situations where headmasters and bursars have been called to face disciplinary committees under GES over misapplication or embezzlements of feeding fees meant for the students.

* Suppliers are still battling in courts in an attempt to recoup arrears owed to bursars and headmasters in the various schools.

* It was those times that we had the worst ever under-invoicing of food items under school feeding program that resulted to the first ever demonstration in some secondary schools in the Northern region over food shortages.

Proposed Solutions;

We are not against decentralization but we are against money being given to headmasters to procure from us and that; the solution to the food shortages has nothing to do with who procures but it has to do with funding.

Government must as matter of necessity look for a more sustainable source of funding the FSHS policy or forget about it.

Government needs close to Ghc51M weekly to be able to sustain the feeding program alone, that is to say, in a month, government is expected to spend a little over Ghc 240M.

The said amount does not include other incidental cost component associated with the FSHS implementation such as the infrastructure, the free school uniform policy and purchases of perishables.

Government must hasten slowly in implementing its decentralization policy, a critical assessment should be conducted on the current procurement system, and must engage in more consultations on the issue, so as to arrive at a well informed policy decision.

School authorities can take proactive measures to check for underweight food item supplies and ensure transparency and accountability in the procurement process. Here are some practical steps:

1. Implement Accurate Weighing Practices

• Use Certified Weighing Scales: Schools should have properly calibrated and certified weighing scales on-site.
• Verify Weights on Delivery: Immediately weigh the delivered food items upon receipt and compare them with the quantity listed on the delivery note.
• Maintain a Logbook: Record weights for each delivery in a logbook for future reference and accountability.

2. Involve School Committees

• Form Inspection Committees: Create a team of staff, parents, or community members to oversee food supply verification.
• Assign Roles: Assign specific responsibilities to ensure all deliveries are independently checked.

3. Request Delivery Documentation

• Check Delivery Notes: Ensure suppliers provide proper documentation specifying the weight and quality of the items delivered.
• Cross-Verify with Contracts: Compare the supplied quantities against the agreed terms in the supplier’s contract.

4. Report Discrepancies Immediately

• Establish a Complaint System: Have a clear and direct process to report underweight supplies to the relevant authorities.
• Document Evidence: Take photographs and document any discrepancies to support claims.

5. Engage Technology

 

• Use Digital Tools: Employ digital scales with memory functions for better accuracy and accountability.
• Audit Software: Track supplies using software that records deliveries, weights, and discrepancies over time.

6. Conduct Random Audit

• Unannounced Inspections: Perform spot checks to deter fraudulent practices by suppliers.
• External Auditors: Periodically invite external auditors to review food supply processes and identify gaps.

7. Build Capacity and Awareness

• Training for Staff: Train staff and committees on proper weighing techniques and record-keeping.
• Educate Beneficiaries: Inform students and stakeholders about their entitlements to ensure collective monitoring.

8. Establish Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Enforce Contractual Penalties: Ensure contracts include clear penalties for underweight supplies.
• Blacklist Non-Compliant Suppliers: Bar suppliers who consistently under-deliver from future tenders.

9. Community Involvement

• Engage Parents and Community Members: Involve them in oversight to enhance transparency.
• Publicize Delivery Schedules: Make delivery times known so stakeholders can monitor the process.

By implementing these measures, school authorities can minimize the risk of underweight supplies, ensure compliance with contracts, and safeguard the nutritional needs of their students.

Written By: Kwaku Amedume – President of AFSGGA