Report By: Ishmael Barfi
The Ghana School Feeding Program has organized a training workshop aimed at resetting and strengthening its operations to ensure that every child in public schools receives a nutritious meal each school day.
The one-day training workshop for regional coordinators, held in Accra on April 22, 2025, provided the participants with an opportunity to update their knowledge of the new policy directions and operational guidelines.
Additionally, they gained in-depth insights into reporting lines and payment systems while sharing their experiences to build synergy among the coordinators.
During the workshop, Hajia Fati, the School Feeding Program Coordinator, emphasized the program’s critical role in combating malnutrition and increasing enrollment, attendance, and retention in schools.
Ghana School Feeding Program Holds Orientation Workshop for Regional Coordinators
She shared that the Ghana School Feeding Program, which was established in 2005 with just 10 schools, has now expanded to cover over 1,900 schools nationwide, affecting more than 1.7 million children across all 261 districts and benefiting a total of 4 million people.
Hajia Fati reiterated that the program’s primary goal is to fight malnutrition by providing nutritious meals to children in public schools.
She highlighted that encouraging parents to enroll their children in school can also boost attendance.
Hajia Fati believes that these efforts will help reduce absenteeism and improve retention, thus supporting students in completing their education.
Cross Section of Regional Coordinators at the Orientation Workshop
Despite facing challenges such as delays in funding, rising food costs, and the need for enhanced monitoring, the program remains committed to its objectives.
She urged the regional coordinators to approach their responsibilities with dedication and a solution-oriented mindset.
The program received a significant boost from the government’s recent announcement to increase the feeding grant per child per day from GHC 1.50 to GHC 2.
This increase is expected to enhance the program’s effectiveness.
By working collaboratively, transparently, and efficiently, the Ghana School Feeding Program is well-positioned to improve the health, nutrition, and school attendance of children across the country.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
