Kumasi:The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has highlighted potential challenges facing the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) due to inaccurate school enrolment data. These inaccuracies could result in some children receiving inadequate meals while resources are misallocated to pupils who may not be present.
According to Ghana Web, Dr. Lartey emphasized the importance of accurate data to ensure that the programme's resources reach the intended beneficiaries. Over 4.5 million children benefit from this initiative every school day, making reliable information essential for effective resource distribution.
Dr. Lartey addressed these concerns during a sensitisation workshop in Kumasi, attended by Regional and District Education Directors from the Ashanti and Western North regions. The workshop aimed to enhance collaboration, data management, and monitoring to improve the programme's delivery.
She warned that unreliable enrolment figures could lead to misallocation, with some schools receiving less than needed despite having higher actual enrolment. Dr. Lartey urged headteachers, class teachers, and education authorities to collaborate and submit verified figures for school feeding.
Dr. Lartey also noted increased government investment in the programme, with the feeding grant rising from GHS1.50 to GHS2 per child per day. Efforts have been made to improve meal nutrition, including training 20,171 caterers and head cooks in nutrition standards.
Speaking to the media, she reiterated the importance of reliable data for plans to expand the programme. Accurate enrollment figures would help determine necessary resources, ensuring any expansion is supported by adequate funding and supplies.
Dr. Lartey called for stronger cooperation between the Ghana School Feeding Programme Secretariat and the Ghana Education Service, especially at the school and district levels, to improve monitoring, reporting, and accountability, ensuring eligible pupils receive their meals.