In a move signaling a strong commitment to education and child well-being, President John Dramani Mahama’s administration has allocated a significant GH¢1.788 billion in the 2025 national budget to the School Feeding Programme.
This substantial increase over previous years underscores the government’s recognition of the critical role the programme plays in improving school enrollment, attendance, and overall academic performance, particularly in underserved communities.
The School Feeding Programme, a mainspring of the Mahama government’s social intervention policies, has been instrumental in tackling malnutrition and enhancing access to education for children across the country. By providing a nutritious daily meal to pupils and students, the programme directly addresses the challenges of hunger and food insecurity that can often hinder a child’s ability to learn and thrive.
The allocation of GH¢1.788 billion in the 2025 budget represents a significant investment in the future of Ghana’s youth. This funding boost is expected to allow for a number of crucial improvements to the programme, including:
Expanded Coverage: The increased budget will enable the programme to reach a greater number of schools and students, extending its benefits to even more communities facing economic hardship. This expansion will be strategically targeted at areas with the highest rates of poverty and food insecurity, ensuring that the most vulnerable children receive the support they need.
Improved Meal Quality and Quantity: The additional funding will allow for improvements in the nutritional content of the meals provided, ensuring that children receive a balanced and wholesome diet that supports their physical and cognitive development.
Efforts will be made to incorporate locally sourced ingredients, promoting sustainable agriculture and empowering local farmers. The quantity of food served will also be reviewed to ensure that students are adequately nourished throughout the school day.
Strengthened Monitoring and Evaluation: To ensure accountability and maximise the impact of the programme, the government will invest in strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. This will involve rigorous data collection and analysis to track key indicators such as enrollment rates, attendance, and the performance of pupils and students. This data will be used to inform programme improvements and ensure that resources are being used effectively.
Enhanced Training for Caterers and Staff: The budget will also support enhanced training programmes for caterers and other staff involved in the preparation and distribution of meals. This training will focus on topics such as food safety, hygiene, and nutrition, ensuring that meals are prepared and served in accordance with the highest standards.
The Mahama government believes that investing in the School Feeding Programme is not just a matter of providing a daily meal; it is an investment in the future prosperity of Ghana. By making certain that children have access to nutritious food, the programme is helping to create a healthier, more educated, and more productive workforce.
Furthermore, the programme has a positive impact on the local economy. Sourcing food from local farmers, will help the programme to provide a stable market for their produce, boosting incomes and creating employment opportunities in rural areas. This contributes to the overall economic development of the country and helps to reduce poverty.
The allocation of GH¢1.788 billion to the School Feeding Programme in the 2025 national budget demonstrates the Mahama government’s unwavering commitment to education and the well-being of Ghanaian children.
This significant investment is expected to have a transformative impact on the lives of thousands of pupils and students, helping them to reach their full potential and contribute to the future growth and development of Ghana. The Mahama-led government is confident that this bold initiative will serve as a model for other countries in our sub-region seeking to improve the health and education outcomes of their children.
Anthony Obeng Afrane
