The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has led a monitoring exercise of the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) in the Greater Accra Region. This initiative aims to strengthen the programme's implementation and ensure its effectiveness. The monitoring team included members of the Ministry's Advisory Board.
The team visited Chorkor Presbyterian Basic School and Chemunaa Basic School. Their objective was to evaluate the quality of meals served to pupils and assess the overall implementation of the programme. They also engaged with key stakeholders to understand the programme's impact on beneficiaries.
This monitoring exercise is crucial for Ghana's broader economic and social development. The GSFP is a significant social protection intervention designed to improve school enrolment, attendance, and retention. It also aims to enhance learning outcomes and promote the health and well-being of children across the nation. The programme currently serves 4 million pupils nationwide, highlighting its extensive reach and importance.
During the visits, the board members gathered first-hand information on meal delivery and nutritional value. They interacted directly with pupils, teachers, and school authorities to assess the programme's effectiveness. The team also engaged with caterers to obtain feedback on implementation and its contribution to teaching and learning.
The monitoring team expressed satisfaction with the quality of meals being served. They commended caterers and school authorities for their efforts in providing nutritious meals to pupils. Dr. Lartey encouraged pupils to attend school regularly and study diligently to achieve academic excellence, leveraging the benefits of the programme.
Minister Lartey reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening the GSFP. She emphasized ensuring that every beneficiary receives safe, nutritious, and quality meals. The Ministry will intensify monitoring and accountability measures to maintain high standards. Caterers who fail to comply with operational guidelines will face sanctions, in line with established procedures.
The findings from this monitoring exercise will inform ongoing efforts to improve the quality, efficiency, and overall effectiveness of the School Feeding Programme. This continuous evaluation is vital for optimizing the significant public funds allocated to the initiative. It ensures that the programme achieves its intended social and educational objectives.
The National Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme, Hajia Fati Forgor, participated in the exercise. The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, also joined the Advisory Board. Their involvement underscores the government's collective commitment to the successful implementation of this critical social intervention. The programme's success directly impacts the human capital development of Ghana.