An Assessment of the Operational Challenges of the Ghana School Feeding Programme

Abstract

In this study, an in-depth analysis of the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) was carried out to identify the factors that affect the successful implementation of the programme and to examine the effectiveness of the GSFP collaborating with other institutions. The methodological approach used is qualitative. A descriptive survey design method was adopted for the study and a purposive sampling used to uncover the effects of the implementation of the GSFP on the lives of pupils and parents.   The results revealed the GSFP since 2009 have grown progressively from operating in 70 districts to 138 districts at the end of 2010. This wide coverage of the GSFP also manifested in the increased in enrolment, improved school attendance and retention of pupils in schools that otherwise would have terminated their educational career.  The study also indicates that though the GSFP was designed to benefit from inter-sectoral collaboration and joint implementation. There has been low participation by the collaborating ministries. There is inadequate clarification of roles and coordination of activities between participating ministries and their decentralized units. The study recommends the need to establish a national policy document for the GSFP to prevent politicization, interference and ensure the regular allocation of budget.  There should be regular reviewed of prices to reflect the prices of food commodities and timely released of funds to ensure the caterers prepare meals to conform to the prescribed menu and quantities.