The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has expressed disappointment in the approach adopted by some school feeding caterers following the termination of their contracts by the government.
Speaking to Emmanuel Agyabeng on Starr Today, Dr. Lartey emphasized the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding, especially given the gender composition of the service.
“The first time I met them over their issue, I told them that because almost all of them in this service are women, if they have challenges and issues, the best approach is for us to jaw-jaw.
Their views and opinions can help shape and reshape the inward or forward movement of the ministry and the programme so that all of us will have this win-win situation and be happy,” she said.
Her comments come in the wake of rising protests from affected caterers, many of whom have taken to public demonstrations adorned in red bands to express their grievances. But the Minister has criticized this method, warning that confrontational attitudes do not foster productive engagement.
“After we’ve spoken, all you hear is that their first approach is to go with red bands. It’s their right to express their views anyhow, but being antagonistic unduly, I think, is not the best, and it is not healthy for our engagement,” she added.
While acknowledging their frustration, Dr. Lartey urged the caterers to consider the broader implications of their actions.
“I actually sympathize with the current situation they are going through. It is their right to voice out how they feel about the situation. But I equally have a responsibility to ensure that what is done is in the service of the nation and also the children.”
