Pressure Mounts for Investigation into Corruption Allegations in School Feeding Programme

Legal practitioner Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers has called for an urgent and thorough investigation into the operations of the School Feeding Programme under former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration.

Speaking on 3News’ KeyPoints, Brako-Powers accused the programme of being riddled with corruption and mismanagement, emphasizing the need for accountability in light of the numerous allegations surrounding its execution.

The School Feeding Programme, originally launched with the goal of providing nutritious meals for schoolchildren and encouraging greater enrollment, has faced growing scrutiny in recent years.

According to Brako-Powers, the programme has been plagued by accusations of fund diversion, inflated contracts, and favoritism, particularly during Akufo-Addo’s time in office.

Brako-Powers called on former President John Dramani Mahama to step in and launch a full-scale investigation into these claims, demanding that anyone found to have participated in or benefitted from corrupt practices be prosecuted.

“President Mahama has to investigate the operations of the School Feeding Programme under Akufo-Addo and prosecute anyone found to have engaged in or benefited from any underhand dealings there,” he stated.

Brako-Powers’ remarks come on the heels of similar concerns raised by former Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Adwoa Safo.

In a recent interview on Wontumi TV, Safo revealed shocking allegations of corruption within the programme. She called for urgent government intervention, describing the scale of corruption as “serious.”

Safo further shared her personal experience with the programme, revealing that President Akufo-Addo had instructed her to audit the programme before funds could be released.

However, she faced significant resistance from high-ranking officials, particularly one individual who allegedly dismissed her efforts, claiming powerful government connections.

According to Safo, the majority of the corruption was traced to the Central Region, but when she submitted her audit report, the president reportedly denied ever asking for it and instructed her to set it aside.

The growing calls for an investigation into the School Feeding Programme come at a time when the nation is grappling with economic challenges, and critics argue that any misuse of funds in such a vital programme is particularly damaging.

As pressure mounts, many are urging the government to act swiftly to address these concerns and ensure that resources meant for the country’s schoolchildren are being used properly