The Ghanaian government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the nation’s School Feeding Programme (SFP), unveiling plans to enhance nutrition for students and ensure timely payments to caterers. The pledge came during a pivotal meeting between Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Ms. Aurore Rusiga, the newly appointed Country Representative of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
In a significant step forward, the government announced an increase in the daily feeding rate, doubling it from 1 cedi to 2 cedis per child. This adjustment aims to tackle longstanding challenges within the programme, ensuring that school meals meet the nutritional needs of students across the country.
To support this ambitious initiative, the government has allocated 1.78 billion cedis to the SFP in this year’s budget, signaling a robust investment in the future of Ghana’s youth. Officials emphasized that additional funding could further amplify the programme’s reach and effectiveness.
The WFP, a key partner in the effort, committed to bolstering its support by introducing fortified rice to enhance the nutritional value of school meals. This move aligns with broader efforts to address malnutrition and improve learning outcomes for Ghanaian children.
The meeting also highlighted a collaborative push for accountability and sustainability. Alongside the World Bank and the Government of Ghana, the WFP will undertake a thorough evaluation of the SFP to assess its efficiency and long-term viability.
A major focus of the discussions was the government’s promise to prioritize timely payments to caterers, a persistent issue that has hampered the programme’s smooth operation. Dr. Ato Forson reiterated the administration’s dedication to resolving this bottleneck, fostering trust among stakeholders.
The partnership between the government, WFP, and other organizations reflects a shared vision of strengthening Ghana’s education system through improved child nutrition and reliable programme delivery. As Dr. Ato Forson and Ms. Rusiga concluded their talks, optimism grew that these efforts would lay a stronger foundation for the country’s future generations.