The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has expressed concern over the poor quality of meals being served to students in Senior High Schools (SHS) under the Free SHS policy.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new governing board of the Ghana Education Service (GES) in Accra, Mr Iddrisu said the government may be forced to reconsider its decision to allow school heads to manage the procurement of food if standards do not improve.
“In our NDC manifesto, we pledged to allow headmasters, bursars, and institutions to manage food supply. We are not satisfied with the quality of the food that is being supplied. And we are not satisfied even with the timely distribution of the food,” he said.
Mr Iddrisu added that despite the policy being a manifesto commitment, the government prioritises student welfare.
“We don’t mind reversing that policy decision, even though it was a manifesto promise, we are to guarantee that the food products supplied are of good quality, and its distribution is also timely,” he stated.
The minister also noted that internal audits within schools would be strengthened to improve oversight of food supply.
The Council, chaired by Professor Mawutor Avoke, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), is expected to provide strategic direction and oversight for the pre-tertiary education sector in Ghana.
It comprises representatives from key institutions in the education sector, including Dr Rosemond Wilson from the West African Examinations Council, Professor Azeko Tahiru Salifu from the National Schools Inspectorate Authority, Mr Adam Adu Marshall from the National Teaching Council, and Professor Yayra Dzakadzie from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. Other members include Right Reverend Paa Solomon Grant-Essilfie representing the Teacher Association on a rotational basis, Mrs Mamle D. Andrews who is the Chief Director of the Ministry of Education, and Mrs Felicia Dapaah Agyeman-Boakye representing local government.
The Council also includes a representative from faith-based organizations in Ghana, Adamu Bintu Fati representing non-teaching staff of the Ghana Education Service, and Florence Bobi who serves as a female educationist. Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, is also a member of the Council.
The Council is expected to provide guidance and support to the Ghana Education Service in the implementation of its goals and objectives, with the ultimate aim of improving the quality of education in the country.
