Government Releases GH¢8.9 Million Feeding Grant to Special Needs Schools

 

Government Releases Feeding Grants for Special Needs Schools Nationwide.

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has released a feeding grant of GH¢8,989,866.00 to Special Needs Schools across the country, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive education.

This intervention is aimed at addressing the nutritional needs of learners with special needs, ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive both academically and developmentally.

The grant reflects a sustained commitment by the Government of Ghana to create a more equitable educational landscape, where learners of all abilities are given equal opportunities to succeed. By investing in the wellbeing of students in special schools, the government is not only supporting their academic progress but also promoting a more inclusive and compassionate society.

This disbursement comes at a particularly critical time for many of these institutions, which often rely heavily on government assistance to provide essential services to children with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. For such schools, the grant represents a vital lifeline—enabling them to offer nutritious meals that support learning, growth, and overall wellbeing.

Proper nutrition is a cornerstone of effective learning. Research has consistently shown that a well-fed child is more likely to concentrate in class, engage actively in lessons, and perform better academically. The government’s decision to allocate funding specifically for feeding programmes acknowledges this connection and seeks to remove barriers that may hinder the educational outcomes of learners with special needs.

The Management of GES has welcomed the initiative, commending the government for prioritising Special Needs Education as an integral part of the broader educational reform agenda. In an official statement, GES extended its appreciation to all stakeholders—particularly school heads, staff, and learners—for their resilience and commitment throughout the period leading up to the grant’s release.

“This disbursement reaffirms the Government of Ghana’s unwavering support for inclusive education and its recognition of the unique challenges facing Special Needs Schools. We commend the government for this important gesture and remain committed to working collaboratively with all partners to ensure that every learner, regardless of ability, receives quality and equitable education,” the statement read.

As Ghana continues to pursue the global goal of inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), initiatives like this feeding grant represent concrete action in support of vulnerable learner populations. By directly investing in their nutritional needs, the government is laying a strong foundation for long-term educational success and social inclusion.

The GES reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the cause of Special Needs Education through ongoing advocacy, collaboration, and strategic partnerships. With consistent investment and focused attention, Ghana’s education sector can make meaningful progress toward a future where no learner is left behind.