Are We Serious? Ghs 2.00 Per Meal Per Child?
—-The Disheartening Reality of Ghana’s School Feeding Program: A Mere Pittance for (Our Own) Children.
The announcement that Ghana’s School Feeding Program now allocates just 2 cedis per child per meal is nothing short of a national disgrace. It is an insult not only to the children but to the very concept of education and national development.
This meager amount, which is roughly equivalent to 20 US cents, highlights an abysmal failure in prioritizing the welfare of the nation’s future. With such paltry funding, it is no wonder that the program, meant to provide children with nutritious meals to enhance their learning and development, has become little more than a symbolic gesture.
The School Feeding Program was originally designed to provide healthy, balanced meals for students, particularly in rural and impoverished communities, to encourage attendance and improve concentration in the classroom. However, this allocation of just 2 cedis per child is so far removed from the program’s initial goals that it is almost laughable. Instead of addressing the nutritional needs of the children, this amount barely scratches the surface of what is needed to ensure a wholesome, balanced meal.
In many schools, 2 cedis wouldn’t even cover the cost of a basic meal, let alone a healthy, nutritious one. This is not just an issue of a budget deficit; it is a clear reflection of the government’s lack of commitment to its most vulnerable citizens, its children. How can a child concentrate on their studies when their stomachs are empty or when they are being served subpar, unhealthy food that does little to nourish them?
The effects of this paltry meal allocation go beyond poor education outcomes. Nutrition plays a crucial role in a child’s ability to learn, focus, and develop cognitive skills. Research shows that undernourished children have difficulty retaining information, exhibit lower academic performance, and are more prone to illness. If the government truly cares about the future of Ghana, then it must realize that investing in the nutrition of school-children is as important as investing in classrooms and textbooks.
But beyond the obvious cognitive effects, the long-term health repercussions are also alarming. Without access to nutritious food, children are more likely to suffer from malnutrition, stunted growth, and weakened immune systems. These issues are not only harmful to the child’s well-being but also a drain on the country’s healthcare system in the future. By shortchanging children today, the government is setting up a cycle of poverty and poor health that will only be exacerbated for generations.
The argument for having a meal allocation of 2 cedis per child is likely couched in economic terms—suggesting that resources are limited and that the government must work within its budget. However, this approach ignores the larger, more devastating picture: the investment in the future of the nation is not just a line-item on a budget; it is an investment in the very foundation of the country’s success.
The meager allocation is not an indication of financial prudence but rather a reflection of misplaced priorities. How can the government justify spending billions on infrastructure and other sectors, yet allow the most essential resource—its children—to go hungry? The fact that Ghana is still grappling with underfunded and ineffective education programs reflects a lack of long-term planning and vision.
One cannot ignore the broader political context in which this crisis occurs. The School Feeding Program, like many other public services, has been plagued by corruption, inefficiency, and lack of transparency. Funds meant to improve the lives of the most vulnerable are often misappropriated or poorly managed. Contractors may deliver subpar food, or local government officials may not properly oversee the distribution, leaving children to suffer the consequences of a broken system.
The critical question here is whether the current political leadership is willing to make the necessary reforms to address these issues. It is one thing to talk about the importance of education, but it is quite another to take meaningful steps toward ensuring that children have the resources they need to succeed. This requires both political will and public accountability—qualities that were sorely lacking in the past administration’s approach.
This 2 cedis allocation is not just an oversight—it is a systemic failure. The School Feeding Program should be a priority, not an afterthought. The government must increase the budget for this program to ensure that every child receives a nutritious meal that supports their learning and development. But this isn’t just about more money—it’s about accountability, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of children.
In addition, the government must invest in sustainable, local food sources to ensure that meals are both nutritious and locally sourced. By supporting smallholder farmers and creating local food networks, the government can strengthen the economy, improve food security, and reduce the costs of feeding students.
Ultimately, the future of Ghana hinges on the decisions made today. If the government continues to ignore the needs of children, particularly in terms of nutrition, the nation will suffer in the long run. The School Feeding Program, once a hopeful initiative, has now been reduced to a mockery. If we are serious about the future of this country, we must demand that children are given the food, care, and education they deserve. Anything less is an abdication of responsibility.
By Kasise Ricky Peprah
(The Siriguboy)
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