Key Takeaways
- Government earmarks GH¢4.2 billion for feeding Free SHS students in 2026.
- Per‑student feeding grant to rise from GH¢8 to GH¢15.
- President Mahama orders a review of the school meal menu to improve quality.
Senior high schools across Ghana reopened on September 18 for the 2026/27 academic year under the Free SHS programme. The Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, used his visit to Tarkwa Senior High School to reassure students that the state has secured sufficient resources for their meals.
His statements came alongside a broader budgetary commitment that allocates more than half of the programme’s total funding to student feeding, signaling a shift toward greater financial stability for the initiative.
Background & Context
The Free SHS policy, launched in 2017, has faced periodic criticism over delayed budget releases and intermittent food shortages. Early implementation relied on ad‑hoc financing, which contributed to gaps in meal provision and uneven quality across schools.
Since the Mahama administration took office, a dedicated funding stream has been established to address these systemic weaknesses. The latest budget reflects that effort, dedicating GH¢9.6 billion to the programme, with GH¢4.2 billion earmarked specifically for feeding.
Funding and Grant Increase
Minister Iddrisu announced an increase in the per‑student feeding grant from GH¢8 to GH¢15, a near‑doubling that aims to cover higher food costs and allow schools to diversify menus. The additional funds are expected to reduce reliance on low‑cost staples and enable the inclusion of protein‑rich items.
Stakeholders such as school administrators and parent‑teacher associations have welcomed the move, noting that higher grants can improve attendance and academic performance by addressing basic nutritional needs.
Menu Review and Quality Concerns
President John Dramani Mahama directed a comprehensive review of the SHS menu. The review will assess nutritional standards, regional dietary preferences, and supply‑chain efficiencies to produce a more balanced meal plan.
While details of the revised menu remain pending, experts suggest that the overhaul could incorporate fortified foods and locally sourced produce, aligning the programme with national health objectives.
Looking Ahead
The government’s dual strategy—raising the feeding grant and revisiting the menu—positions the Free SHS programme for greater sustainability. Ongoing monitoring will be required to ensure that allocated funds translate into measurable improvements in meal quality and student well‑being.
Future reports are expected to outline the timeline for menu implementation and evaluate the impact of the increased grant on school attendance and performance metrics.
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