The Bono Regional chapter of the Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition (GNECC) has made an appeal to the government to raise the feeding grants provided under the Ghana School Feeding Programme.
The coalition expressed dissatisfaction with the current feeding grant of GH¢0.97 per child, deeming it woefully inadequate. They called for an increase to GH¢2.00 to ensure that children receive nutritious meals during their school day.
During a council meeting held in Sunyani, the coalition members also urged the government to address the issue of delayed funds disbursement to the caterers involved in the program.
Mr. Raphael Godlove Ahenu, the Bono Regional Coordinator of GNECC, emphasized the importance of caterers improving the nutritional content of the meals they prepare for the school children.
He expressed concern over the quality of meals observed during a visit to one of the beneficiary schools, stating that the current standards were unacceptable for the innocent students.
Mr Simon Asore, a council member of GNECC in the Bono Region, highlighted that the timely and regular release of feeding grants would alleviate the undue pressure faced by caterers who often borrow or rely on credit to provide meals for the students.
Considering the rising prices of food items in the country, he advocated for an increase in the feeding grants to GH¢3.00.
Mr Kobina Afena-Sam, the Bono Regional Chairman of GNECC, praised the school feeding program as a commendable initiative. He stressed the importance of addressing the challenges hindering the program's effectiveness.
Mr Afena-Sam noted that the program has significantly contributed to keeping children interested in attending school. He called on the government to consider extending the program to benefit junior high school students as well.
Additionally, he emphasized the need to expand the program's coverage to include every public school in deprived areas at the community level.
