GH₵ 7.50 Not Enough to Feed SHS Students – CHASS
The GH₵ 7.50 per student is not enough for three meals a day, according to CHASS National Secretary Primus Baro
- CHASS argues that the GH₵ 7.50 feeding fee per student is insufficient to cover three meals a day
- CHASS is confident that future discussions with the government will lead to a more realistic feeding allocation
- Government promises additional funding and redirection of drought relief food
Primus Baro, the national secretary of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), has expressed concerns that the current GH₵ 7.50 feeding fee per student in Senior High Schools is insufficient to adequately cater to students’ nutritional needs.
Speaking in an interview on January 16, Baro stated, “My immediate response is that it is not enough.”
While acknowledging the fee’s inadequacy, Baro assured that CHASS would not press the new government for an immediate increase, citing transitional challenges and food shortages.
However, he emphasized that future discussions with the government are expected to focus on finding a realistic solution, balancing the government’s financial capacity with ensuring a minimum standard of nutrition in schools.
Currently, the GH₵ 7.50 allocation covers three meals a day, with only GH₵ 2.50 dedicated to perishable foods and the remaining GH₵ 5.00 for other food supplies.
Baro also mentioned that the government had assured schools of additional funding to address the ongoing food shortage by the end of January 17. Additionally, food supplies intended for drought victims in the northern regions will be redirected to schools, according to President John Mahama’s order.
