Ghana's Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu plans to change how high schools receive food supplies. The government wants to fix problems with poor quality and small portions served to students. School leaders currently handle food purchases under a program that was supposed to help local businesses. Many schools are not getting enough good food for their students. The minister said the policy needs major changes to work better.
The new plan would let schools buy fresh foods directly but give other food duties to government agencies. Ghana Buffer Stock Company and Ghana Commodity Exchange would handle rice and other grains. Schools would still control 40 percent of food purchasing decisions. Quick delivery of quality meals remains the top goal for all high schools.
President John Dramani Mahama ordered four billion cedis for free high school programs through the education trust fund. The government also wants private schools to join the free education system. About 50 to 60 private schools will test this new partnership idea. Students who normally pay private school fees would get state funding instead.
The minister asked the president to include education buildings in a major construction program. More lecture halls and dormitories are needed for students finishing free high school. Universities might work with private companies to build new facilities without lowering education standards.
The new plan would let schools buy fresh foods directly but give other food duties to government agencies. Ghana Buffer Stock Company and Ghana Commodity Exchange would handle rice and other grains. Schools would still control 40 percent of food purchasing decisions. Quick delivery of quality meals remains the top goal for all high schools.
President John Dramani Mahama ordered four billion cedis for free high school programs through the education trust fund. The government also wants private schools to join the free education system. About 50 to 60 private schools will test this new partnership idea. Students who normally pay private school fees would get state funding instead.
The minister asked the president to include education buildings in a major construction program. More lecture halls and dormitories are needed for students finishing free high school. Universities might work with private companies to build new facilities without lowering education standards.
