By Godwill Arthur-Mensah, GNA
Accra, June 24, GNA – Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has announced sweeping reforms under the Ghana School Feeding Programme aimed at strengthening nutrition, food safety, and accountability in schools nationwide.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament in Accra on Wednesday, Dr. Lartey said the programme has reviewed its 16 regional ecological menus to ensure balanced and nutritious meals for schoolchildren.
With support from the World Food Programme and the Korea International Cooperation Agency, she said, the Ministry is piloting School Connect, a digital monitoring tool designed to track compliance with approved menus and improve accountability in service delivery.
Additionally, Dr Lartey indicated that the World Bank has supported the development of menu cards that provide clear guidance on food preparation, portion control, and nutritional standards.
Caterers and head cooks have undergone nationwide training in food hygiene, safety, and nutrition, while head teachers have been empowered to monitor adherence to guidelines, she added.
To enhance protein intake, the Minister said, soybean powder has been introduced into traditional meals such as kenkey, waakye, jollof rice, and soups.
Routine monitoring at national, regional, district, and school levels is also being intensified to ensure compliance with quality assurance standards, she stated.
Dr. Lartey emphasized that government remains committed to improving the quality and sustainability of the programme.
She noted that the allocation per child has been increased from GH¢1.50 to GH¢2.00, with the tax component removed to give caterers more financial relief.
“While challenges remain, our priority is the health and safety of the child. If it means delaying meals to ensure quality, we will do so in the best interest of the children,” she stated.
The Minister added that punitive measures, including contract revocation, would be applied to caterers who fail to meet standards.
She expressed confidence that the reforms will significantly strengthen service delivery and improve nutritional outcomes for schoolchildren across the country.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Godwill Arthur-Mensah, GNA
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