A regional parents’ representative has raised alarm over worsening feeding challenges in Ghana’s secondary schools, warning that delays in funding and supply disruptions risk undermining student welfare and academic work.
Stanley Abopam, vice president of the Upper East Regional Parents Association, said in a radio interview that concerns about food supply in second-cycle institutions have become “serious,” as schools struggle to maintain consistent feeding amid financial constraints.
Mr Abopam said while government-led supply systems provide some food items, irregular disbursement of funds to schools for perishables such as vegetables, fuel and condiments has created operational difficulties.
“Once there is no food, it brings every other activity in the secondary schools to a standstill,” he said.
He attributed part of the problem to reliance on centralized supply arrangements, particularly through buffer stock systems, which he said can create bottlenecks when logistical challenges arise.
According to Mr Abopam, previous arrangements that allowed school heads greater flexibility to procure food locally improved feeding quality and consistency. However, recent developments suggest a shift back toward centralized supply, limiting schools’ ability to respond to their specific needs.
He said delays in government subventions have weakened trust between schools and suppliers, with some vendors reluctant to extend credit after months of unpaid arrears.
“Four to five months without payment makes it difficult for any supplier to continue,” he said, adding that some school authorities have resorted to personal funds or informal arrangements to keep feeding programs running.
The concerns follow warnings from school administrators that prolonged funding gaps could disrupt academic activities, including preparations for national examinations.
Mr Abopam urged the government to urgently release funds and ensure consistency in both food supply and financial support to schools.
“If the money is available, it should be disbursed immediately,” he said. “We cannot expect school heads to run feeding programs from their own pockets.”
He also warned that inadequate nutrition could have long-term health implications for students, noting that adolescents require proper feeding for growth and learning.
The government has previously assured stakeholders that measures are being taken to address feeding challenges in schools, but concerns persist among education officials, parents and administrators over the sustainability of current arrangements.
