The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has announced an increase in the feeding grant for the Ghana School Feeding Programme, raising the allocation per pupil from GH¢1.50 to GH¢2.
She clarified that this increase is part of the government’s initiative to enhance the quality and nutritional value of meals provided to pupils under the programme, which currently serves millions of children in public basic schools nationwide.
Dr. Lartey made this announcement while addressing inquiries in Parliament on Wednesday, June 24, regarding the costs and implementation of the School Feeding Programme, which is one of Ghana’s key social intervention policies aimed at improving school enrolment, retention, and academic performance.
She noted that the adjustment also aims to respond to concerns expressed by caterers and stakeholders regarding the rising food prices and the expenses associated with preparing balanced meals for pupils.
“I had earlier stated that the amount used to be GH¢1.50 and that has been increased to GH¢2. The tax component has also been taken off so that the caterers can have the full amount to be able to serve our children.”
The minister elaborated that the elimination of the tax component is a strategic policy intervention intended to ensure that caterers receive the complete value of the allocation without any deductions, thus allowing them to provide more nutritious and sufficient meals to the pupils in their care.
The Ghana School Feeding Programme, which is executed in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, aims to deliver one hot, nutritious meal each day to pupils in public basic schools, especially in underprivileged communities.
The initiative seeks to enhance school attendance, alleviate hunger among schoolchildren, and bolster local agricultural production by sourcing food items from local farmers.
