The Auditor-General’s report for 2022 has revealed shocking details about the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP). The report exposed that basic school pupils are being served unwholesome food under the programme.
A performance audit report conducted by the Auditor-General on the management of the GSFP revealed disturbing findings. The report showed that mouldy corn dough was used in some schools to prepare meals for the pupils.
The audit team visited various schools to assess the progress and performance of the initiative, which was launched in 2005 to improve enrolment at the basic school level. However, what they found was alarming.
In some schools, jollof rice and other dishes were prepared without any protein, contrary to the programme’s requirements. This is a serious concern, as pupils need nutritious meals to stay healthy and focused in school.
The Auditor-General’s report indicated that pupils and teachers interviewed during the visits said all complaints about the poor food were ignored. This suggests a lack of accountability and oversight in the programme.
The report highlighted specific instances of unwholesome food being served to pupils. For example, at the Ankyernyin D/A Basic School, the audit team observed that the cooks prepared jollof without any protein, contrary to the requirements.
Similarly, at the Kanfakrom D/A school in the Western Region, the cook used corn dough that had gone mouldy to prepare banku for the pupils. This is unacceptable and poses a serious health risk to the children.
The interactions with pupils in all the schools visited revealed that they had complained to teachers about the poor quality of food. However, the caterers still provided substandard meals, making it difficult for the pupils to eat.
The Auditor-General’s report has raised serious concerns about the management of the GSFP. It is essential that the government takes immediate action to address these issues and ensure that pupils receive nutritious meals.
The GSFP has the potential to improve enrolment and retention rates in basic schools, but it must be managed effectively to achieve its objectives. The government must take steps to ensure that pupils receive wholesome food and that caterers are held accountable for their actions.
