“We can finally cook in peace.”

That’s the collective sigh of relief echoing from caterers across the country as the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP), has fulfilled its promise to settle all 31 days of arrears owed to providers under the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) for the first term of the 2024/2025 academic year.

This long-awaited payment comes at a crucial time when many caterers, already stretched by rising food costs, had threatened to suspend services. The School Feeding Secretariat confirmed the disbursement on Wednesday, April 9, through a formal statement signed by National Coordinator Hajia Fati Forgor.

“We deeply appreciate the government’s swift action and also thank our donor partners for their unrelenting support,” the statement read.

School Feeding Payments Explained in 7 Seconds

The government has settled all outstanding 31-day arrears to school feeding caterers for the first term of 2024/2025, restoring operational confidence across schools.

The 2025 Opportunity Matrix: Strengthening the School Feeding Programme

Action Impact

Payment of arrears...............Revives trust and smooth school operations

Structural reforms.................Enhances decentralization and accountability

Donor collaboration............Sustains the programme during fiscal pressure

Improved food quality standards...Boosts student attendance and nutrition

MoGCSP’s 3-Step Reform Plan for 2025

1. Decentralization: Transfer administrative functions to local government levels to ensure faster payment processing and accountability.
2. Quality Control: Introduce new standards for food preparation, hygiene, and nutrition monitoring.
3. Real-Time Monitoring: Digital tracking of caterer activities and payments to minimize delays.
4. 
   

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Local Impact Analysis: From Dormaa to Keta

From caterers in Tamale to those in Tarkwa, the news has brought relief. Some expressed gratitude, others cautious optimism—hoping that future terms will not suffer the same delays.

“I had to borrow to keep cooking for the children. Now I can pay off my debts,” said Adjoa Mensah, a caterer in Koforidua.

“We’ve heard promises before, but this time we’ve been paid. Let’s hope it continues,” added Bismark Tetteh from Cape Coast.

What This Means for Ghana’s Education Sector

With arrears cleared, schools can now maintain consistent meal delivery—a vital factor in student attendance, especially in deprived communities. Research consistently shows that access to free, nutritious meals boosts academic performance and reduces dropout rates.

But experts argue the GSFP needs more than timely payments. It needs structural transformation—and that's exactly what the MoGCSP says is underway.

Final Thoughts: More Than a Meal

The Ghana School Feeding Programme isn’t just about food—it’s about opportunity, education, and dignity. Settling arrears is a positive step, but ensuring long-term sustainability through reform and monitoring is the real win.