Government orders audit into Free SHS food quality

A statewide audit of the quantity and quality of food provided to pupils under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program has been ordered by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, who cited mounting discontent with the current system.

On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the Minister stated that he had assigned the Ministry’s internal auditor to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of school meal standards nationwide as part of a mid-year review of government programs and policies in the education sector at the Presidency.

Following complaints of subpar food being given in some schools, including widely shared pictures of inferior gari and palm nut soup, Mr. Iddrisu issued his edict, claiming that the information was immediately brought to his attention.

“That is not acceptable,” he said. “We are not satisfied with the quantity and the quality of food. That is why we are re-engaging, and we are repositioning to share in doing it.”

The Minister disclosed that since December, the government has given schools more than GH¢500 million to buy food locally. Nevertheless, worries about food quality continue, which has led to a reassessment of the supply chain.

The amount released thus far is GH¢203 million, GH¢208 million, and an additional GH¢100 million. However, we are not pleased with the result,” he said.

Mr. Iddrisu hinted that the responsibilities of different players in the school feeding process would alter as a result of continued consultations. He suggested that the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) might take on a more significant role in school food distribution once more.

“Our wish and desire would be for them [existing suppliers] to continue, but when food is not supplied on time and with quality, it becomes a problem. So we are saying Buffer Stock can take over,” he added.

He promised that better financial sources will support the measures. According to the Minister, NAFCO has been given GH¢100 million to support its renewed mandate, and the Free SHS Secretariat will be in charge of delivery verification. After that, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) will handle payment processing.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com