Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu has voiced strong dissatisfaction over the poor quality of meals being served to students across various schools in the country.
He criticized school heads for overseeing what he described as substandard food and warned that their authority to directly procure meals may be withdrawn if standards do not improve. His comments were made during the swearing-in ceremony of the Ghana Education Service (GES) Council in Accra.
As part of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s policy, school heads currently manage food procurement to reduce the burden on central government. However, the Minister revealed that a report from the President raised serious concerns about the quality of food being provided.
“It has come to the attention of the President—and mine—that we are not satisfied with the quality of food supplied by some headmasters,” he said.
Haruna Iddrisu emphasized he would not hesitate to reverse this policy, even though it is rooted in the NDC’s manifesto, if that is what it takes to ensure the quality and quantity of meals served.
“I expect internal auditors within schools, together with national oversight, to inspect food quality. From time to time, the GES Director-General and Council Chairman should consider making unannounced visits during meal times to witness firsthand what is being served,” he added.
Beyond food quality, the Minister also raised alarm over growing indiscipline and safety issues within schools.
Citing worrying incidents involving weapons such as knives and firearms on school premises, he said, “This is not Ghanaian. You must take immediate and decisive action to ensure safety in all educational institutions.”
Following his address, the Minister officially inaugurated the new GES Council, charging them to address the pressing issues of food quality, discipline, and student safety.
Council Chairman Prof. Mawutor Avoke assured the Minister of the Council’s commitment to restoring discipline and improving school environments.
Later in the day, the Minister also inaugurated the Governing Council of the University of Education, Winneba. He encouraged them to resolve ongoing legal disputes amicably and pledged government support in revitalizing the university’s sports programs.
“You face several legal challenges. I trust the Council Chairman, His Lordship Justice, will reflect on resolving these matters out of court,” he noted.
