The government of Ghana has approved the procurement of essential food items by head teachers from their respective local markets. This directive means the government will provide funds directly to heads of schools for the items.
This was contained in a letter dated 22nd January 2025. The letter furthered that this measure was an interim measure put in place. President John Mahama, who gave the GES the green light, further called on the heads to ensure hot meals are served to the students.
“With reference to Letter No. DB225/7381A from the Chief Director of the Ministry of Education on the above subject matter, management is pleased to officially communicate the granting of approval by the office of the President to the Heads of Public Senior High Schools to procure essential food items needed to feed students for a period of two (2) weeks (20th January to 3rd February, 2025).” The letter indicated.
Approved amount per student
Per the letter, GHS7.500 has been approved for boarding students, while GHS3.00 has been approved for day students for each day. The funds released cover the period 20th January to 3rd February, 2025.
“The approved rate is Seven Cedis Fifty Pesewas (GHS7.50) and Three Cedis (GHS3.00) for boarding and day students, respectively. Each school will utilise these funds to procure essential food items available in their localities for a period of two weeks.”
Below is the full letter:
APPROVAL TO PROCURE ESSENTIAL FOOD ITEMS AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL
With reference to Letter No. DB225/7381A from the Chief Director of the Ministry of Education on the above subject matter, management is pleased to officially communicate the granting of approval by the office of the President to the Heads of Public Senior High Schools to procure essential food items needed to feed students for a period of two (2) weeks (20th January to 3rd February, 2025).
This is an interim measure to improve the feeding situation in the various public second-cycle institutions.
Consequently, disbursement based on student enrolment and approved cost of feeding each student per day has been made to the schools. The approved rate is Seven Cedis Fifty Pesewas (GHS7.50) and Three Cedis (GHS3.00) for boarding and day students, respectively. Each school will utilise these funds to procure essential food items available in their localities for a period of two weeks.
Similarly, heads of purely day schools should engage the services of private caterers to provide a hot meal to students at the appropriate rate.
Regional Directors are kindly requested to bring this to the attention of all Heads of Public Senior High, Senior High Technical, and STEM schools to ensure that they comply with the relevant Public Procurement and Financial Management Regulations in the discharge of their mandate. Refer to the attached procurement guidelines for your information and necessary action.
It is expected that Heads Schools will strictly follow these guidelines to ensure successful implementation.