As basic schools reopened on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) has instructed all existing caterers to resume providing nutritious meals to schoolchildren nationwide.
The directive seeks to ensure that pupils across Ghana’s 16 regions continue to benefit from the programme’s initiative of serving one hot, nutritious meal daily.
In a press release issued by the National Coordinator, the GSFP reiterated its commitment, in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP), to the effective implementation of the programme.
Currently benefiting over four million children in public basic schools, the School Feeding Programme remains an essential part of the government’s agenda to enhance education and child nutrition.
New Caterer Procurement Process
The GSFP also announced plans to introduce a new caterer procurement process under the current administration.
This forthcoming process, designed in collaboration with key stakeholders, aims to improve the programme’s efficiency and transparency.
In the meantime, the GSFP has called on community leaders and other stakeholders to support caterers in executing their duties without disruptions.
“We strongly appeal to all stakeholders and opinion leaders within beneficiary communities to ensure that all caterers are able to execute their mandate of serving one hot nutritious meal to beneficiary pupils without any hindrances,” the statement said.
Update on Payment of Arrears
The GSFP confirmed that full payment for the Third Term of the 2023/2024 academic year has been completed. Additionally, 40 out of 71 cooking days’ arrears for the First Term of the 2024/2025 academic year have also been cleared.
The remaining 31 days’ arrears for the First Term are expected to be settled soon, demonstrating the government’s commitment to ensuring the seamless operation of the programme.