The Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) has directed all existing caterers to resume providing nutritious meals to schoolchildren nationwide following the re-opening of basic schools on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

In a statement issued by the National Coordinator, the GSFP reaffirmed its dedication, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP), to delivering one hot, nutritious meal daily to pupils in all 16 regions of Ghana.

The initiative, which benefits over four million children in public basic schools, is a critical part of the government’s efforts to support education and improve child nutrition.

The GSFP highlighted plans to roll out a new caterer procurement process under the current administration.

This process aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the programme through collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

In the meantime, the GSFP has appealed to community leaders and stakeholders to support caterers in fulfilling their responsibilities without disruptions.

“We strongly appeal to all stakeholders and opinion leaders within beneficiary communities to ensure that all caterers are able to execute their mandate of serving one hot, nutritious meal to beneficiary pupils without any hindrances,” the statement emphasized.

The GSFP provided an update on payments to caterers, announcing that full payment for the Third Term of the 2023/2024 academic year has been completed.

Additionally, 40 out of 71 cooking days’ arrears for the First Term of the 2024/2025 academic year have been cleared.

The remaining 31 days’ arrears for the First Term of 2024/2025 will be settled soon, the GSFP assured, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring the smooth operation of the programme.

The Ghana School Feeding Programme remains a cornerstone of national efforts to enhance access to education and improve child health, with ongoing measures to ensure its sustainability and impact.