By The government has increased funding for the National School Feeding Programme (NSFP), allocating GH¢1.78 billion in the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, up from GH¢1.2 billion in 2024.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presented the budget to Parliament on March 11, 2025. He announced that the feeding grant per child has been raised from GH¢1.20 to GH¢1.60, citing rising food prices and the need to sustain the programme.
“This increase is necessary to sustain the programme. It will ensure that pupils in public basic schools continue to receive nutritious meals,” Dr Forson stated.
He assured Parliament that the government would prioritise timely payments to caterers to prevent disruptions to the programme.
The school feeding programme, which provides free meals to over 3.8 million pupils, is a major social intervention aimed at improving school enrolment and attendance.
“The government remains committed to strengthening this programme. This is part of broader efforts to improve education and child nutrition in Ghana,” Dr Forson said.
Parliament is expected to debate the allocation. Discussions will likely focus on payment timelines. They will also consider the sufficiency of the increased grant. Ensuring quality meals for pupils is another key point.
