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GETFund releases GH¢199 million for Free SHS feeding arrears
via GhanaWeb2 min read
The Ghana Education Trust Fund has disbursed GH¢199.47 million to senior high school heads to settle outstanding feeding arrears under the Free SHS program. This action follows an emergency stakeholder meeting convened by the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, involving the GETFund Administrator, Paul Adjei, and leaders from the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools and the Conference of Principals of Technical Institutions. The meeting addressed concerns over unpaid bills for perishable food supplies, which had led to threats of school shutdowns. While media reports suggested a disagreement between the Minister and the Administrator, sources clarified that the Administrator instead provided clarity on GETFund’s statutory mandate regarding procurement. The Minister had proposed direct funding to schools for perishable items, but the Administrator explained that procurement responsibilities remain with GETFund under existing frameworks. Despite these procedural discussions, the funds were released directly to school heads for immediate purchase of perishable food items. The payment process experienced delays, with a request from the Ministry of Education to GETFund dated April 10, 2026, following a memo submitted to the Minister in January 2026 that remained in his office for over 10 weeks. This disbursement aims to stabilize feeding operations and prevent academic disruptions.
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The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has announced plans to reconstitute the Asanteman Standing Committee, an executive body of the Asanteman Council. During an Asanteman Council meeting on April 20, 2026, the king expressed dissatisfaction with the current committee's ineffectiveness, which he believes has led to misconduct in several paramountcies within the Asante Kingdom, including Sampa, Nkyeraa, Amantim, and parts of Asante Akyem. He stated that the committee's inactivity prevents the enforcement of court decisions on chieftaincy matters. The Asantehene cited examples where legitimate chiefs are unable to exert authority due to resistance. To address this, he has directed traditional rulers in the Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, and Asante Akyem areas to nominate two representatives each to form the new committee, aiming to restore order and reinforce traditional authority.
Must ReadJustice Srem-Sai, the Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, has accused the legal team of former National Signals Bureau Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene of creating a misleading impression of their case's strength in his ongoing trial. Srem-Sai stated that despite the prosecution presenting evidence of Adu-Boahene transferring public funds from government coffers to a private account, and subsequently using these funds for personal and business benefits, the defense has not effectively challenged these core allegations. Instead, the defense has offered various explanations, starting with claims of exchange rate discrepancies, then suggesting the funds were repayment for a loan Adu-Boahene allegedly provided to the public organization, and most recently, asserting that the private account was a 'secret' NSB account and that the equipment the money was intended for has been purchased, despite a lack of supporting evidence. Srem-Sai emphasized that the prosecution has provided evidence of the transfers via checks and subsequent expenditures, maintaining that public money should not be spent in such a manner, which could lead to charges like stealing, causing financial loss, or money laundering.
The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, announced a significant increase in monthly allowances for paramount chiefs and queen mothers. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, April 20, the Minister stated that the allowance will rise from GH¢1,000 to GH¢3,000 in 2025. He highlighted that traditional leaders had been receiving GH¢1,000 monthly under the previous administration for eight years. The ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, implemented this 300% increase for both paramount chiefs and paramount queen mothers. According to the Minister, this increment demonstrates the government’s commitment to acknowledging the role of traditional authorities in governance and community development.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party NPP, has initiated engagements with former rivals from the party's presidential primaries, including Kennedy Ohene Agyapong. This effort aims to reposition the party for the 2028 general elections, as disclosed by senior aide and Akuapem North MP Sammi Awuku. The outreach is part of a strategy to unify the NPP after a competitive primary where Dr. Bawumia was re-elected on January 31, 2026, defeating Kennedy Agyapong, Kwabena Agyepong, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Dr. Bryan Acheampong. Sammi Awuku confirmed that Dr. Bawumia held a private meeting with Kennedy Agyapong, described as constructive, where they discussed party unity. Dr. Bawumia reportedly left the meeting satisfied, with assurances of support from Kennedy Agyapong. Similar engagements have been conducted with other former contenders, who have also pledged their support. This initiative is focused on consolidating party unity and enhancing the NPP’s prospects in the 2028 elections.