The Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP), the Government of Ghana has cleared 31 days of arrears owed to caterers for the first term of the 2024/2025 academic year.
This payment, announced by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, is expected to alleviate financial pressure on service providers and reinforce confidence in the administration of the programme.
The GSFP, launched in 2005 as a key social intervention strategy, aims to provide one hot, nutritious meal each school day to pupils in selected public basic schools across the country.
The initiative is designed not only to enhance school enrollment, attendance, and retention but also to improve the nutritional status of children and boost local food production by sourcing ingredients from local farmers.
Over the years, however, the programme has faced recurring challenges, including delays in payments to caterers, inconsistencies in meal quality, and concerns over financial accountability.
These challenges have often led to service interruptions, protests by caterers, and public criticism.
The recent clearance of arrears is being hailed as a turning point by the GSFP Secretariat.
Mrs. Hajia Fati Forgor, National Coordinator of the GSFP, praised the government for prioritizing the issue, stating:
“I see it as a vindication of the government’s commitment to supporting the programme and ensuring its continued success.”
This financial intervention is part of a broader effort to reform and strengthen the programme. The GSFP Secretariat is actively working on a comprehensive overhaul, which includes:
- Decentralizing management to empower local authorities for more responsive oversight,
- Improving meal quality by incorporating more diverse and nutritious food items,
- Enhancing transparency and streamlining the payment system to avoid future delays.
The Ministry also acknowledged the vital role of donor partners and international organizations such as the World Food Programme and other development agencies, whose financial and technical support has been instrumental in sustaining the programme over the years.
This development comes at a crucial time as the government seeks to restore trust among caterers, many of whom had threatened to withdraw services due to prolonged payment delays.
By addressing the backlog and investing in reforms, the government is aiming to ensure that the GSFP continues to serve its dual mission—supporting child welfare and promoting local agricultural economies.
While this payment is a welcome relief, stakeholders continue to call for systemic improvements and consistent funding to prevent the re-emergence of arrears and ensure the programme remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s educational and social development efforts.
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