School Feeding providers to be paid electronically

Mr. Kwame Nuako, Technical Adviser of the Ghana School Feeding Programme has said that the various service providers operating under the scheme are now going to be paid electronically.

He said the decision was to bridge the client relationship gap that had existed between the implementing ministries and service providers as well as ensuring prompt and efficiency in the Payment regime.

Mr. Nuako told the Ghana News Agency in Sekondi, in the Western Region, that the first pilot case began in the month of October and that notwithstanding some challenges identified; it was believed to be a good and sustainable means of building long term partnership.

The Technical Advisor mentioned that some service providers in six districts: Sekondi/Takoradi, Nzema East, Shama, Ahanta West, Wassa East and Mpohor have been rolled on to the electronic payment system to be administered by MTN and its affiliate bank, Access bank.

In the meantime, the Lower Pra Rural Bank, which had been the backbone of school feeding service providers in some districts, would be brought on board soon to enable the bank to offer such services to the providers.

Currently, over 1.7 children are being fed by this intervention, which sought to increase enrollment, reduce morning sickness among pupils, avoid malnutrition and ensure healthy minds and development.

Mrs. Florence Quartey, Senior Programme Officer of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection said the days when caterers had to trek to the various districts assemblies for funds was over as the new payment module had come to stay.

Mr. Ambrose Ankrah, Western Regional Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding, lauded the new payment system and encouraged service providers to frequently engage their outfit on any difficulties for effective response and directions