Govt Disburses GH¢195.5 Million for SHS Feeding and NSMQ Arrears

The Government of Ghana has released a total of GH¢195.5 million to support key educational commitments — including the feeding of Senior High School (SHS) students and the settlement of outstanding debts owed to the organizers of the National Science and Mathematics Quiz (NSMQ).

According to the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, the funds comprise GH¢186 million earmarked for the June 2025 SHS feeding programme, and an additional GH¢9.5 million to clear NSMQ arrears accumulated between 2023 and 2025. The announcement was made during the 63rd Annual Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) in Sunyani.

The minister emphasized that the disbursement forms part of the government’s broader efforts to stabilize and sustain the Free SHS policy, which has faced financial challenges in recent years due to delayed payments and growing student numbers. “This release reaffirms government’s commitment to ensuring that no student goes hungry in school, and that all key partners in education are adequately supported,” Hon. Iddrisu stated.

The conference also saw directives from the Ministry of Education for SHS institutions to transition from prepaid electricity meters to postpaid systems beginning in 2026, a move expected to help schools better manage utility costs.

The government’s release follows concerns raised by school authorities over delayed feeding grants and other arrears that have strained school operations. Education analysts have welcomed the move, calling it a positive step toward restoring confidence in the Free SHS programme.

The payment to Primetime Limited, organizers of the NSMQ, also ensures continuity of the prestigious academic competition, which promotes excellence in science and mathematics across Ghana’s secondary schools.

Beyond this disbursement, government sources indicate that over GH¢6 billion has been cleared in education-related arrears in the past few years — covering SHS feeding, capitation grants, and school feeding programmes — as part of a broader effort to streamline educational financing.

The Education Ministry reiterated its commitment to strengthening accountability and efficiency in the management of public funds in the education sector.

Summary

Total amount disbursed: GH¢195.5 million

For SHS feeding: GH¢186 million (June 2025)

For NSMQ arrears: GH¢9.5 million (2023–2025)

Announced by: Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu

Event: 63rd CHASS Conference, Sunyani

Additional directive: Schools to shift from prepaid to postpaid electricity meters by 2026