The Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) now provides daily meals to 4.53 million Ghanaian schoolchildren. This significant reach is supported by a GHS 1.98 billion budget allocation for 2026.
This 2026 budget represents a 42% increase from the GHS 1.39 billion allocated in 2024. The government also raised the grant per meal from GHS 1.50 to GHS 2.00 in 2025. This increase marked the first such adjustment in several years, directly benefiting caterers and improving meal quality. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has also cleared all caterer arrears from 2024 and paid the first two terms of the 2025/26 academic year.
This expansion underscores the government's commitment to social protection and human capital development. The GSFP aims to improve school enrollment, attendance, and nutritional status among primary school children. Such programmes are crucial for Ghana's long-term economic growth, fostering a healthier and more educated workforce. Data shows a direct link between school feeding and improved learning outcomes, reducing the burden of poverty on vulnerable families.
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, highlighted the programme's impact. She stated the GSFP is one of the most visible ways the Ministry touches children's lives daily. Dr. Lartey also noted the expansion of compliance monitoring to 8,270 schools in 2026 from 4,419 schools in 2025. Furthermore, 20,171 caterers and head cooks received training in practical nutrition standards.
The continued investment in the GSFP signals a sustained focus on social welfare ahead of upcoming elections. Policymakers will watch for the programme's impact on educational metrics and household economic stability. The increased budget and meal grant could alleviate financial pressure on families, potentially boosting local food economies. Sustaining these funding levels will be critical for the programme's long-term success and its broad societal benefits. Future evaluations will assess the programme's efficiency and its contribution to national development goals.