St. Augustine’s College Denies Food Shortage Claim

By; Gifty Arthur

Authorities at the St Augustine’s College (AUGUSCO), Cape Coast in the Central Region, have debunked claims of acute food shortage in the school.

They maintain, the school have enough food to feed the students, despite media reports suggesting otherwise.

In a statement to refute the report, headmaster of the all-male boarding school which placed second in this year’s National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) was categorical that, there is enough food items for students.

“This is to clarify that, contrary to recent reports suggesting a shortage of food items at St. Augustine’s College, Cape Coast, the school has adequate and sufficient supply of all food items,” Rev Father Godfred Appiah wrote in a letter dated Saturday, November 23.

Giving more information, the man of God explained that as recent as beginning of this month [November 2024] as at last week, the institution received various foods from the National Buffer Stock Company Limited.

He said claims that students are not being fed are false taking into consideration the amount of food supplied to them by the Company.

“On the 4th, 9th, 13th, 19th and 21st of November, the College took delivery of various food items from the National Buffer Stock Company, ensuring a well-stocked inventory in its warehouse. Given this substantial supply within the past weeks, claims that students are not being fed properly due to the lack of food are both unfounded and untrue”, Rev Fr Appiah submitted.

He disclosed that even as at the time members of the Teachers and Education Workers Union (TEWU) went on strike, the staff at the kitchen did their best to cook for the students.

“It is also worth noting that even during the strike by members of the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), the kitchen staff demonstrated commendable dedication by continuing to prepare meals for the students,” he further stated

He assured all stakeholders of management’s “commitment to transparency and invite anyone with concerns or to visit the school for firsthand information regarding the food situation.”

The reaction by the school follows media reports that there has been severe food shortage in some second cycle institutions with AUGUSCO’s name mentioned as one of such by the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS).

The multimedia group on its online platforms such as myjoyonline, had published that the crisis was caused by the lack of government funds since August 16, 2024, forcing some schools to buy perishable items such as tomatoes, onions, and fish on credit.

However, schools still find it difficult to purchase basic supplies like ginger, sausages, and cooking salt due to mounting debts with suppliers.

The National Chairman of TEWU, Salamatu Braimah, expressed concern over the situation.

According to her, many school staff are overwhelmed in the face of these ongoing challenges.

Madam Braimah explained that while some food is available, the lack of variety is alarming.

“Some schools are living only on rice, with students taking rice water in the morning, and rice meals for both lunch and dinner.

“A few have tom brown, yet others lack even maize supplies,” she added. “Living on the same diet every day is troubling,” she told JoyNews.

This is coming in the midst of accusation by the Member of Parliament (MP) for the North Tongu, Samuel Okudzato Ablakwa that some Senior High Schools (SHSs) were earlier this year fed with expired rice.

The Ministry of Education, even though has accepted the challenge to investigate the matter, it has allayed the fears of students and parents that there is no cause for alarm.

Source: Anchorghana.com