Beneficiaries of GSFP to be registered onto NHIS

Accra, Dec. 31, GNA - The Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) says all beneficiaries of the GSPF will be registered onto the National Health Insurance Scheme next year.

This, Alhaj Siiba Alfa, Public Relations Officer, GSFP, explained that the GSFP being a social intervention programme, and with the provision of health assistance to beneficiaries would help to make the ultimate goal of the system worthwhile.

Addressing a News Conference in Accra on Thursday, Alhaj Alfa observed that though the registration would take effect in 2016, it would start off as a pilot project and its effectiveness would make it to be extended nationwide.

He also announced that in accordance with government's commitment to sustain the programme, and improve the quality delivery of meals to beneficiary pupils, there would be an increase in the feeding grant from 50 pesewas to 80 pesewas per child per every school going day.

'The up-ward adjustment takes effect from the third term of 2014/2015 academic year.

'This means that the 55 days of arrears for the third term of 2014/2015 academic year and all subsequent payment would be disbursed with the new rate of 80 pesewas,' he said.

On the payment of caterers, Alhaj Alfa said that the GSFP secretariat had received only 25 million Ghana cedis to pay caterers.

'We were expecting to receive a total of 60 million Ghana cedis to clear all the arrears … however, we received only 25 million cedis to this disbursement.

'And this payment will cover five days of the second term as well as thirty-eight days of the third term of the 2014/2015 academic year and is being effected electronically,' he said.

The Public Relations Officer of the GSFP assured caterers of GSFP's firm conviction that in January 2016, the GSFP would access the balance from government to enable the secretariat to pay the outstanding arrears immediately.

He, therefore, entreated all caterers to take notice of their up-ward adjustment and improve on the quality and quantity of food they prepare for the school children.

He also assured stakeholders, that 'Challenges encountered during the last payment are being addressed.'

Alhaj Alfa however urged the media to collaborate with the GSFP as doing so would help strengthen their partnership through positive encounters and joint efforts towards building a better and sustainable School Feeding Programme.

He also advised all caterers who might encounter any challenge during the upcoming payment to report their challenges to the appropriate quarters for redress.

GNA