NPP chairman’s clash with caterers denies over 400 pupils school feeding meals
A constituency chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) reportedly destroyed meals meant for pupils of Danase D/A Basic School in the Ashanti region.
The action by the Afigya Kwabre North Constituency leader, Charles Amaniampong, left over 400 pupils hungry as they went without food Thursday afternoon.
In a video obtained by DailymailGh.com, some of the caterers were seen sweeping off the debris while the hungry children looked on. Cooking utensils which contained rice were seen scattered at the pantry as some teachers calmed down the caterers.
Though it is not clear what triggered his actions, it is gathered that the man who doubles as a Church of Pentecost Elder was infuriated after a school feeding contract was awarded to one Mr. Ofori — who was deployed to serve lunch for the pupils.
Mr. Ofori who is a known NPP polling station organizer expressed disappointment over the development.
“While the caterers were cooking he [the chairman] came to the pantry and questioned how I got the contract. In an attempt to explain things to him he attacked us and poured away all the food that meant to be served to the entire school. I am a known NPP member and I am not happy about the chairman’s actions. I have my appointment letter and I personally went for it. Even the headmaster is aware I have been contracted”, explained Mr. Ofori.
He told DailymailGh.com that he will report the matter to the appropriate quarters for further actions.
Some teachers also condemned the act and called for the immediate arrest of the chairman.
It is expected that an emergency meeting will be held by the PTA to discuss the issue.
DailymailGh.com gathered that it was the first time the school pupils benefited from the government intervention.
Introduced by the NPP government the school feeding program is an intervention to curb child absenteeism in various basic schools.
But the scheme has over the years been faced with challenges including poor quality of food and political interference.
Source: J. Ofori, Daily Mail GH