Government to strengthen monitoring of Ghana School Feeding Programme - Gender Minister

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has assured that the government will strengthen monitoring of the Ghana School Feeding Programme to ensure that pupils across the country receive safe, nutritious, and quality meals.

Leading members of the Ministry's Advisory Board on a monitoring visit to Chorkor Presbyterian Basic School and Chemunaa Basic School in the Greater Accra Region, the Minister said the exercise formed part of efforts to assess how the programme is being implemented and identify areas for improvement.

Dr Lartey said the government remains committed to protecting the welfare of schoolchildren through the School Feeding Programme.

"The Ghana School Feeding Programme is one of government's major social protection interventions. It is helping to improve school enrolment, attendance, retention and learning outcomes while promoting the health and well-being of our children," she said.

She encouraged pupils to make good use of the opportunity provided through the programme by attending school regularly and focusing on their studies.

"I want you to come to school every day, study hard and work towards achieving your dreams. Government is investing in your future, and you must also play your part by taking your education seriously," she said.

The Minister also served notice that the Ministry would not compromise on the quality of meals provided under the programme.

"We will continue to strengthen monitoring and accountability to ensure every child receives safe and nutritious meals. Caterers who fail to comply with the programme's guidelines will face the appropriate sanctions," she added.

Dr Lartey added that recommendations from the inspection would help improve the quality, efficiency and delivery of the programme across the country.

Members of the Advisory Board expressed satisfaction with the meals served during the visit and commended caterers and school authorities for their efforts in providing nutritious food for the pupils.

The team inspected meals served to pupils, interacted with school authorities, teachers, caterers and pupils, and assessed the nutritional quality of the food as well as the programme's contribution to teaching and learning.

The monitoring exercise was joined by the National Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme, Hajia Fati Forgor, and the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, who reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring the programme continues to benefit school children and support improved educational outcomes.