Improve Student Meals or Lose Feeding Grants, Education Minister Cautions SHS Heads

Education Minister Warns SHS Heads to Improve Student Meals or Forfeit Feeding Grants.

The Minister for Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, has issued a firm caution to senior high school heads regarding the poor quality of food served under the current decentralised feeding policy. He warned that if conditions do not improve, the government may consider withdrawing the grants allocated to schools for student feeding.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new Governing Council of the Ghana Education Service (GES) on May 2, 2025, Mr. Iddrisu stressed the need for nutritious and timely meals for students. He expressed disappointment with recent reports indicating substandard food and irregular supply schedules, noting that such issues threaten student welfare and undermine the intention of the policy.

The decentralised feeding system was introduced to empower school heads with direct funding for the procurement of food items from local sources. This replaced the previous model in which the National Food Buffer Stock Company managed supplies centrally. However, the Minister said that if school authorities fail to uphold quality and accountability, the system may be reversed, despite being a campaign promise.

“I will not hesitate to roll back this policy if the food being served continues to fall below standard. It’s essential that our students receive nutritious meals and that every cedi spent reflects value for money,” he emphasized.

To strengthen oversight, Mr. Iddrisu tasked the GES leadership, including its new Chairman, Professor Mawutor Avoke, to conduct unannounced visits to school dining halls. He also recommended that schools carry out regular internal audits of food-related expenditures and supplies to ensure transparency.

In addition to feeding concerns, the Minister addressed rising cases of violence and indiscipline in secondary schools. He cited recent disturbing incidents, including a shooting at Kumasi SDA SHS, urging GES to collaborate with stakeholders to restore safety and discipline across all institutions.

Professor Avoke, on behalf of the newly constituted GES Council, pledged to respond effectively to the issues raised. He assured the public of the Council’s commitment to improving education management, student welfare, and policy implementation across the country.

Mr. Iddrisu concluded by affirming that outcomes from the recent National Education Forum will not be ignored, adding that the government remains committed to educational reforms that deliver lasting impact.



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