The Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) has taken a decisive step to improve child nutrition and food safety with the rollout of a nationwide practical training programme for caterers and head cooks serving beneficiary basic schools across the country.

The initiative, which spans all sixteen regions, is aimed at raising the quality, safety, and nutritional value of meals served to thousands of Ghanaian pupils who rely on the programme as a critical source of daily nourishment.

Beyond food provision, the training underscores a growing recognition that how food is prepared is just as important as what is served. Through hands-on sessions, caterers are being equipped with modern cooking techniques, proper food handling practices, and enhanced knowledge of nutrition to ensure meals are wholesome, safe, and developmentally appropriate for children.

Implemented in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Women in Agricultural Development Directorate (WIAD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the programme also strengthens inter-sectoral coordination to deliver better outcomes for children.

By decentralising the training into Southern, Middle, and Northern zones, GSFP is ensuring wider access, inclusivity, and effective implementation, particularly for caterers operating in hard-to-reach communities.

The training programme officially commenced on 15th December, with sessions currently underway in the Bono, Volta, and Oti Regions, while additional regions are expected to be engaged in subsequent phases.

Advocates for child welfare and education have welcomed the initiative, noting that improved meal quality directly impacts school attendance, learning outcomes, and overall child health, especially in low-income communities.

As Ghana continues to invest in social protection and human capital development, the GSFP training programme represents a critical move toward ensuring that no child’s learning is compromised by poor nutrition or unsafe food practices.

Stakeholders are calling for sustained investment, regular monitoring, and continuous training to ensure that gains made under the programme translate into lasting improvements in child wellbeing and educational equity nationwide.