Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu warns that poor food quality in senior high schools may force him to undo the new policy allowing headmasters to procure meals directly, urging immediate corrective action.
Education Minister Hon. Haruna Iddrisu has issued a stern warning to heads of Ghana’s senior high schools that he will not hesitate to revoke the recently introduced policy permitting them to purchase food for the school‑feeding programme directly—if they fail to guarantee acceptable quality and timely delivery.
At a press briefing in Accra on Friday, May 3, Mr. Iddrisu said the policy, which decentralised procurement from the previous centralised model, was intended to address chronic shortages and delays under the Buffer Stock Company and Ghana Commodity Exchange monopoly. However, reports of substandard meals and interruptions in supply have emerged from several regions, threatening to undermine the academic calendar and pupil welfare.
“This policy was designed to give headmasters the flexibility to source fresh, nutritious food on time,” the Minister said. “But if school authorities cannot ensure the quality and consistency our children deserve, I will have no choice but to withdraw this discretion and revert to the former system.”
Mr. Iddrisu recalled that during his campaign, President John Dramani Mahama pledged both an increase in feeding grants and a more efficient procurement framework. While the additional funds have been disbursed, the Minister lamented that some schools have used the autonomy to engage unqualified suppliers, resulting in meals that fail to meet basic nutritional or hygiene standards.
“We cannot allow our young people to suffer because of poor implementation,” he emphasised. “Heads of schools must be held accountable for the welfare of their students. If the feeding programme falters, so too will our efforts to maintain a smooth academic calendar.”
The Minister warned that regional education directors and Ghana Education Service (GES) inspectors will be dispatched immediately to investigate reported breaches of procurement guidelines. Schools found culpable will face contract cancellations and a reinstatement of centralised purchasing under strict GES supervision.
Key Points of Iddrisu’s Warning
- Quality Control: Headmasters must verify that all meals meet Ministry‑approved nutritional and safety standards.
- Accountability: Procurement records and supplier credentials will be audited by GES.
- Reversal of Policy: Failure to comply will trigger a return to centralised procurement via the Buffer Stock Company and Commodity Exchange.
Stakeholders in the education sector have reacted with a mixture of relief and concern. Parent‑Teacher Associations (PTAs) welcomed the Minister’s resolve to protect students’ health, while some school administrators cautioned that sudden policy reversal without alternative logistics could risk renewed shortages.
Nutrition experts have urged headmasters to work closely with certified caterers and local agribusinesses, leveraging the increased feeding grants to secure wholesome, locally sourced ingredients. “Decentralisation can work—but only with rigorous oversight and capacity building at the school level,” noted a dietician with the Food and Agriculture Ministry.
As the new term begins next week, the spotlight will be on senior high schools to demonstrate that the direct‑purchase policy can deliver on its promise. The Minister’s ultimatum makes clear that the autonomy granted to headmasters is conditional on performance—and that the welfare of Ghana’s schoolchildren remains the top priority.
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