The Ghanaian government will increase the School Feeding Programme cost per meal from GH¢1.50 to GH¢2, representing a 33% increase. Minister of Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced this change, emphasizing the need for better funding to ensure adequate nutrition for schoolchildren. The move is part of a broader strategy to improve support in the education sector.
The Ghanaian Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced an increase in the cost per meal for children participating in the School Feeding Programme. The rate will rise from GH¢1.50 to GH¢2, marking a 33% increase. This adjustment follows a policy previously established by the Mahama administration and aims to address the inadequacy of the current feeding fee.
During a recent discussion on X Space, hosted by KalyJay and monitored by GhanaWeb Business, Dr. Forson emphasized that the existing amount is insufficient, stating, “Currently, the government of Ghana pays GH¢1.50 per child per day. Unfortunately, we all agree that this amount is too small and can’t even buy one egg.”
He elaborated on the forthcoming budget adjustments by stating that the government intends to index the feeding fee to inflation, indicating a commitment to continuously evaluate and improve the funding. Dr. Forson believes that increasing the daily cost per meal to a minimum of GH¢2 marks a significant enhancement in support for schoolchildren.
The original cost per meal was set at GH¢1 and was later adjusted to GH¢1.20 under previous governance. In 2023 alone, the Ghana School Feeding Programme catered to 3,801,491 children, aiming to provide nutritious meals that bolster school enrollment and prevent hunger.
Looking ahead, Minister Forson is scheduled to present the 2025 budget in Parliament on March 11, 2025, which will encompass further financial strategies related to various initiatives, including education.
The Government of Ghana is set to increase the cost per meal for the School Feeding Programme from GH¢1.50 to GH¢2, reflecting a 33% rise aimed at enhancing nutritional support for children. This increase follows historical adjustments and is intended to combat insufficient funding in schools. The minister’s commitment to indexing the cost to inflation hints at ongoing improvements in governmental support for education and children’s health.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
