The Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has visited several schools in the Sagnarigu municipality in the Northern region to evaluate progress under the School Feeding Programme.
The visit forms part of efforts to improve the quality and consistency of meals served to pupils across the country.
Interacting with school authorities, caterers, and pupils, Dr. Lartey expressed satisfaction with the programme’s overall performance.
“What we have seen today is encouraging. The children are enjoying their meals, and the variety is good,” she said. She also commended caterers, teachers, and coordinators at all levels for their dedication and hard work.
According to her, testimonies from school heads and pupils confirmed that the meals are nutritious and diverse, combining rice-based dishes with local foods.
However, the Minister pointed out areas that require improvement especially the lack of uniform bowls and plates used to serve food.
She described the use of rubber and uneven bowls as unacceptable, saying, “we cannot continue serving children with bowls that are not standard. It affects the consistency of the programme.”
She noted that the Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly has agreed to support the provision of uniform bowls and reusable spoons to enhance hygiene.
Dr. Lartey stressed that the programme is not only about feeding pupils but also shaping their behaviour.
“We are not just feeding them; we are teaching them discipline and basic table manners,” she said.
She urged staff to monitor how children use their utensils and cautioned against overserving. “We don’t want wastage. Portions must be appropriate for the age of the child,” she added.
The Minister also highlighted plans to upgrade school kitchens and improve cooking stoves, saying, “if we enhance the kitchen environment and equipment, we will improve the quality of the meals prepared.”
She praised President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry of Finance for supporting timely payment of caterers.
“As we speak today, no caterer is owed. Those cooking now will be paid as soon as their data is submitted,” she said.
Dr. Lartey further emphasized the importance of strong monitoring, explaining that consistent field visits ensure accuracy in reporting. “It is not enough to read reports in the office. I come to the field to see for myself what is working and what needs improvement,” she noted.
She assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s commitment to sustaining the programme’s progress, stating, “Our goal is to ensure that every child receives a nutritious meal in a safe, well-managed environment.”
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