Tamale, Nov. 1, GNA - A Civil Society Organization Platform, an advocacy group comprising state, private and development partners, had adopted a communiqu=E9 on the School Feeding Programme on the way forward= for programme, in Tamale.

The statement, which was read by Mr. John Issah Alhassan, Coordinator of the Platform, at a press conference in Tamale on Friday, after a two-day deliberation on the Programme, said that members would continue to monitor the Programme to ensure its successful implementation.

It commended government for continuing with the Programme in line with the objective of enhancing domestic food production.

The communiqu=E9 praised government for fulfilling recommendations of the Dutch Government, which led to the resumption of financial support of GH¢12.8 million. It said the Platform had pursued programmes to improve energy, local=

government and water and sanitation. The communiqu=E9 raised concern about the financial sustainability o= f the Programme and supported the decision of government to factor it into the national budget. It called on government to ensure the decentralization of the implementation of the Programme, particularly concerning menu, selection of beneficiary schools and procurement as well as monitoring. The statement urged the ministries of Food and Agriculture, Health a= nd Women and Children's Affairs and other state organisations and agencies t= o support the Programme. It called for a non-partisan approach to the handling of the Programm= e and the recruitment of competent staff.