The government’s decision to increase the feeding fee for basic school students from GHC 1.50 to GHC 2.00 has been met with mixed reactions from the School Feeding Caterers Association, which acknowledges the move as progress but insists that the amount remains inadequate.
During a social media engagement on March 9, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the planned increment ahead of the 2025 budget presentation, following persistent appeals from caterers and education stakeholders. The new rate is set to take effect in the third term, beginning in April.
Speaking to Citi News, the National President of the School Feeding Caterers Association, Nana Otu Sakyi-Amo Twafohene, expressed gratitude for the adjustment but emphasized the need for further improvements. He also called for an expansion of the program to include Junior High School (JHS) students.
“We appreciate this increment, but it is still not enough. We hope the government will continue working toward a more sustainable rate that reflects current food prices,” he stated.
While caterers welcome the intervention, they remain hopeful that future adjustments will better address the challenges they face in providing nutritious meals to students across the country.
