The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, has raised concerns about the inadequate funding of Ghana’s school feeding programme, warning that the current financial allocation is limiting its effectiveness in improving student enrolment and nutrition.
Speaking on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM, Mr Asare noted that despite its introduction in 2006 to enhance school attendance and nutrition, the programme has struggled due to persistent underfunding. He highlighted that the current allocation of just 2 cedis per student is insufficient to provide a nutritious meal.
“We started the school feeding programme in 2006, but it has faced significant challenges due to inadequate funding. If we decentralise the programme, we can target resources to where they are needed most in communities with higher poverty levels, boosting both student enrolment and nutrition,” he explained.
Mr Asare further emphasized that a significant increase in financial support is needed to sustain and expand the programme’s reach.
“We need a significant increase in funding to ensure the programme continues and improves,” he stated.
Beyond financial constraints, he also called for the removal of political interference in the procurement and management of the programme to ensure efficiency and transparency.
“School feeding should not be used as a political tool or to favour supporters of specific political parties. Instead, we need a home-grown programme that is effectively managed and prioritises the well-being of students,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for reforms, particularly the decentralisation of the programme and an increase in funding, to guarantee that every child in need has access to proper nutrition for better learning outcomes.
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