The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has initiated investigations into concerns over the quality and quantity of meals served to pupils at Buaduyili Primary School under the Ghana School Feeding Programme.
The move follows media reports and complaints from parents and teachers alleging that meals provided to pupils are inadequate and fall short of expected nutritional standards.
The Ministry has assured the public that it is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children under the programme and will apply sanctions where necessary.
In a statement, the Ministry said it had taken note of the concerns and is working closely with the Ghana School Feeding Programme Secretariat to establish the facts.
“In line with this commitment, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ghana School Feeding Programme Secretariat, has initiated investigations into the matter to ascertain the facts and determine the circumstances surrounding the reported incident”.
Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP)
Government Remains Committed to Quality and Adequate Meal
MoGCSP reaffirmed that government remains committed to ensuring that all beneficiary pupils receive adequate, nutritious and quality meals in safe learning environments.
The Ministry further warned that any individual or entity found culpable will face appropriate sanctions after the conclusion of investigations. “Appropriate sanctions will be applied to any individual or entity found culpable following the outcome of the investigation,” the statement added.
The probe was triggered by complaints reportedly raised at Buaduyili Primary School, where some parents and teachers questioned the quantity and nutritional value of meals served under the programme. The concerns have since sparked public discussion on the implementation and oversight of the School Feeding Programme.
The Ghana School Feeding Programme, established in 2005, is a flagship social protection initiative designed to provide one hot, nutritious meal daily to pupils in public basic schools. The programme aims to reduce hunger, improve school attendance and enrolment, and support child health and development.
Over the years, it has expanded to cover millions of pupils nationwide, particularly benefiting children in low-income communities where school meals represent a vital source of daily nutrition.
However, the programme has also faced recurring challenges, including funding delays, rising food costs, monitoring gaps, and concerns over payments to caterers.
These issues have frequently prompted calls from stakeholders for stronger oversight mechanisms and improved financing structures to ensure consistent delivery of quality meals.
Importance of Effective Monitoring
MoGCSP noted that the latest concerns highlight the importance of effective monitoring in ensuring that programme resources translate into intended outcomes for children.
“The Ghana School Feeding Programme remains a critical social protection intervention aimed at reducing hunger among school children, improving school enrolment and attendance and enhancing the nutritional wellbeing of pupils across the country”.
Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP)
It added that government, under its broader development approach, is strengthening social protection systems to improve efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.
“Government, through its Reset Agenda, continues to take deliberate and concrete steps to strengthen social protection interventions and improve the financing, monitoring, and implementation of the Ghana School Feeding Programme to ensure efficiency, accountability, and quality service delivery”.
Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP)
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) cautioned that any action or inaction that undermines the objectives of the programme will not be tolerated.
Calls for Collaboration
MoGCSP also called for collaboration from all stakeholders, including regional and district coordinators, local assemblies, community leaders, parents, and the media, to support monitoring and ensure transparency in implementation.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the programme and ensuring that it continues to support children’s education and welfare.
“MoGCSP remains resolute in safeguarding the integrity of the Ghana School Feeding Programme and ensuring that it continues to serve the best interests of Ghanaian children and contribute meaningfully to their growth, development and education”.
Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP)
The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine whether the concerns at Buaduyili represent isolated operational lapses or broader systemic challenges requiring policy or administrative reforms.
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