Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has ordered a nationwide audit into the quality and quantity of food served to students under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme, citing growing dissatisfaction with the current system.
Speaking at a mid-year review of education sector policies and government programmes at the Presidency on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the Minister said he had tasked the Ministry’s internal auditor to conduct a thorough assessment of school feeding standards across the country.
Mr. Iddrisu’s directive follows reports of poor-quality meals served in some schools, including viral images of substandard gari and palm nut soup that he said were brought to his attention directly.
“That is not acceptable,” he said. “We are not satisfied with the quantity and the quality of food. That is why we are re-engaging, and we are repositioning to share in doing it.”
The Minister revealed that government has released over GH¢500 million directly to schools since December to enable them to procure food locally. Despite this, concerns about food standards persist, prompting a re-evaluation of the supply system.
“So far, GH¢203 million, GH¢208 million, and another GH¢100 million have been released. But we are not happy with the outcome,” he noted.
Mr. Iddrisu signalled that ongoing consultations could lead to changes in the roles of various actors in the school feeding process. He indicated that the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) may once again assume a larger role in distributing food to schools.
“Our wish and desire would be for them [existing suppliers] to continue, but when food is not supplied on time and with quality, it becomes a problem. So we are saying Buffer Stock can take over,” he added.
He assured that reforms will be backed by improved funding mechanisms. According to the Minister, GH¢100 million has been allocated to NAFCO to support its renewed mandate, while verification of deliveries will be overseen by the Free SHS Secretariat. Payments will then be processed through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
“Payment should be much faster for the Free SHS area under GETFund than it was,” he said.
The audit and possible policy shifts are expected to ensure better oversight and accountability in the distribution of food under the flagship Free SHS programme, which has faced mounting scrutiny over logistical inefficiencies in recent years.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Risa Wyettey Cofie
