A matron of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II College has been arrested after she was allegedly caught transporting school food supplies in a taxi.

The matron was intercepted while conveying assorted food items believed to belong to the school, triggering an investigation that is currently pending at the police station.

A source close to the matter told Today News that the case has also been escalated to education authorities.

“It has been reported to the Regional Director of Education for further action,” the source confirmed.

Items retrieved during the interception included fingers of plantain, sacks of grains, gallons of cooking oil, canned tomato paste, milk, boxes of mackerel and other food items packed in black polythene bags.

The latest development comes amid heightened scrutiny of alleged food supply thefts in senior high schools, following strong public condemnation by Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak.

Reacting earlier to similar arrests at Awaso STEM Senior High School in the Western North Region, Dr Apaak described individuals who divert food meant for students as enemies of the state.

“I urge students, citizens, and community members to assist in apprehending those who steal food meant for our students,” he said in a post on Friday. “These acts of greed don’t just deprive our students of food but are also a drain on the public purse. There can’t be sympathy for enemies of the state.”

His remarks followed the arrest of two staff members of the Sefwi Bekwai STEM Senior High School, Benedicta Nyamadi, a school matron, and Rahel Kyeremateng, a cook, over the alleged theft of large quantities of food items.

According to the Western North Regional Police Command, the arrests were made after intelligence was received on December 22, leading to a search at Kyeremateng’s residence at Sefwi Atronsu, where large quantities of food items were retrieved.

Police indicated that preliminary investigations suggest the suspects removed items from the school’s food store and kept them with the alleged intention of selling them later.

The Ghana Education Service has backed a full investigation into the Awaso case, stressing zero tolerance for misconduct affecting student welfare.

“Management asserts unequivocally that it does not condone any form of misconduct, abuse of office, or acts that compromise the welfare, nutrition, and well-being of students,” GES said in a December 26 statement signed by Head of Public Relations, Daniel Fenyi.

Authorities say investigations into the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II College incident are ongoing as education officials intensify efforts to curb food supply theft in public schools.