The family of the late Madam Gertrude Essie Quashigah, former National Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP), has strongly condemned recent allegations by former Gender Minister Sarah Adwoa Safo, accusing her of mismanaging the programme.
In a press statement signed by Isaac Aidoo, Esq., on behalf of the family, they expressed deep disappointment over Safo’s remarks, calling them “unfounded and unfortunate.”
“Our mother, who led the GSFP from 2019 until her passing in 2023, carried out her duties with the highest levels of integrity, dedication, and selflessness,” the statement read.
The family highlighted that, under Madam Quashigah’s leadership, the programme expanded significantly, benefiting thousands of Ghanaian schoolchildren by improving nutrition and welfare. They expressed pain that such allegations were being made when she is no longer alive to defend herself, adding that her children and those who respected her contributions to national development were deeply distressed.
“It is heartbreaking that these baseless accusations are being made against our mother when she is no longer here to respond,” they stated.
The family has called on Adwoa Safo to immediately retract her comments and offer a public apology.
“We respectfully urge Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo to withdraw her remarks, issue an unqualified apology, and desist from tarnishing the legacy of our late mother.”
They also noted the historical ties between their late father, Major Courage Quashigah (Rtd), and Adwoa Safo’s father, Apostle Kwadwo Safo, making the allegations even more disappointing.
The statement concluded by urging Ghanaians to honor Madam Gertrude Quashigah’s memory, emphasizing her lifelong commitment to the welfare of children and national service.
Background
Madam Gertrude Quashigah was appointed National Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme in 2019. She played a key role in expanding the programme, which provides daily meals to schoolchildren to enhance education and nutrition.
Sarah Adwoa Safo, who previously served as Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, recently made allegations suggesting that the GSFP suffered mismanagement under Madam Quashigah’s leadership.
