Perishables Crisis Disrupting SHS Feeding Programme – Buffer Stock

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company, Osmond Amuah, has raised fresh concerns over persistent feeding challenges in senior high schools, warning that the lack of perishable food items continues to disrupt meal provision for students across the country.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Amuah acknowledged some progress in resolving broader supply issues but stressed that a critical gap remains in the procurement and distribution of perishables such as vegetables. According to him, while the situation is gradually improving, the problem has not been fully resolved.

“We are just happy, from a Buffer Stock perspective, that this matter seems to be finding a solution,” he stated.

He explained that the main challenge stems from the structure of the school feeding system, where non-perishable items are supplied centrally, while perishable goods are sourced directly by individual schools.

“At the head of the matter is perishables, which the schools themselves procure, and Buffer Stock with Ghana Commodity Exchange provides support for the non-perishable items,” he explained.

Mr Amuah indicated that the Buffer Stock Company currently supplies 18 categories of non-perishable food items, including both pre-packed and raw materials, ensuring consistent availability of staples in schools nationwide.

“And these non-perishable items are 18 in number, and Buffer Stock gets to supply all that to the schools,” he added.

He further noted that the company’s operational model, though government-owned, allows it to function with private sector efficiency, enabling it to secure financing and maintain a steady supply chain.

“Buffer Stock is government-owned but acts as a private entity limited liability. We’ve been able to bridge finance for the private sector to do the deliveries,” he said.

Despite these efforts, Mr Amuah emphasized that the absence of perishables undermines the entire feeding programme. “You cannot cook when you don’t have vegetables,” he stressed.

He warned that delays in payments for perishable items already supplied to schools are creating significant challenges, directly affecting students’ access to meals.

“Whatever problems that persist with CHASS with respect to feeding, due to the lack of payment for perishables… it means the students cannot feed,” he cautioned.

Mr Amuah called for urgent attention to the issue, urging stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of students. “Putting the students at the heart of everything that is going on, you have to have concern,” he added.

He dismissed claims that the delays are intentional, attributing the situation instead to structural and funding constraints within the system.

“I do not think that the delay in perishables is deliberate on anybody’s part,” he noted.

He further explained that procurement challenges, audit requirements and increasing student enrolment continue to put pressure on the feeding programme. “Student population at the secondary level is growing. SS one alone is around in excess of 300,000 students,” he revealed.

While tensions surrounding food supply have eased slightly in recent weeks, Mr Amuah maintained that long-term reforms will be necessary to ensure a sustainable and efficient feeding system for schools across the country.