‘No child should go hungry’ – Dr. Apaak warns school heads over food diversion

The Ministry of Education has warned school managements across Ghana against charging students unauthorised fees and diverting food meant for their meals.

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, issued the warning on behalf of the Education Minister during the Golden Jubilee celebration of Zamse Senior High/Technical School (ZAMSTECH) in Bolgatanga on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Dr. Apaak described the practices as a betrayal of trust and urged school authorities involved in such activities to stop immediately.

“In recent times, this Ministry has had cause to worry about reports of school managements charging fees that were never approved, and, more troubling still, about food meant to feed our students being diverted elsewhere. Both are betrayals of trust,” he said.

He stressed that parents should not be burdened with payments that have not been approved, while students must receive the food provided for them.

“No parent should be asked to pay what was never sanctioned. No child should go hungry because food bought for their plate ended up somewhere else,” Dr. Apaak stated.

The Deputy Minister made clear that the warning was a national directive and was not targeted at ZAMSTECH or its management.

“Where this is happening, it must stop, and school managements across this country should hear this as a clear warning, not a suggestion,” he cautioned.

His remarks formed part of his address at ZAMSTECH’s 50th anniversary celebration, held under the theme, “Empowering Minds and Shaping the Future: The Role of Stakeholders.”

Dr. Apaak also highlighted concerns over growing indiscipline in schools, saying government had brought together teachers, parents, traditional and religious leaders, as well as security agencies, in July for a National Conference on Stemming the Growing Indiscipline in Schools.

He said addressing indiscipline requires a collective response from all stakeholders, including schools, parents and communities.

Zamse Senior High/Technical School, established in 1976, is marking 50 years of educating and training young people in the Upper East Region.

The Golden Jubilee celebration brought together government representatives, school authorities, staff, students, alumni, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to commemorate the institution’s five decades of service.