The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has held her first official meeting with the newly appointed leadership of the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) to discuss strategies for improving the initiative.
The meeting brought together the National Coordinator of GSFP, Madam Hajia Fati Forgor, her two deputies—Madam Felicia Mekpoi Bortey and Madam Faustina Lamptey—as well as the Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Abigail Akwambea Elorm Mensah. Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration, improving efficiency, and ensuring the smooth implementation of the programme.
In her remarks, Dr. Lartey underscored the importance of teamwork between the Ministry and the GSFP leadership, stating that effective coordination would help address existing challenges.
She reaffirmed that the School Feeding Programme remains a top priority for President John Dramani Mahama and urged all stakeholders to work towards expanding its reach, especially in vulnerable communities.
The Minister also stressed the need for rigorous monitoring and supervision to ensure that caterers provide nutritious meals to schoolchildren.
Dr. Afisah Zakariah, the Chief Director of the Ministry, provided an overview of the GSFP’s structure, approval processes, reporting lines, and payment mechanisms.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering one hot, nutritious meal daily to pupils from Kindergarten to Primary Six across the country.
Expressing her appreciation for the Minister’s support, Madam Hajia Fati Forgor pledged to work closely with her deputies to fulfill the government’s vision for the programme.
She assured the Ministry of her dedication to addressing operational challenges, including maintaining open communication with caterers to ensure efficiency.
The MASLOC CEO, Abigail Akwambea Elorm Mensah, explored potential collaborations to provide financial support to caterers while they await payments, aiming to enhance the sustainability of the programme.
The meeting also addressed restructuring the GSFP to improve efficiency and long-term impact. It concluded with a renewed commitment from all parties to strengthen the programme and ensure that schoolchildren nationwide receive quality meals.
Following the discussions, Hajia Fati Forgor and her deputies were introduced to the staff of the Ghana School Feeding Programme.
