Gov’t Orders Nationwide Audit of Free SHS Meals Over Quality Concerns

Accra, Ghana – The Ministry of Education has launched a nationwide audit of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) feeding programme, following escalating concerns over poor-quality meals and insufficient food portions being served to students across the country.

At a press briefing held at the Jubilee House, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu voiced deep dissatisfaction with the programme's current state and announced immediate plans to reform the food distribution system under the government’s flagship Free SHS policy.

“We are simply not satisfied with the quantity and quality of the food being provided,” Mr. Iddrisu stated. “Despite the substantial funding, the standards are unacceptable and must be addressed immediately.”

New Structure: CHASS to Handle Perishables, Buffer Stock Company to Supply Staples

The Minister unveiled a new model to overhaul the feeding system, proposing a shared responsibility approach:

• CHASS (Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools) will procure perishable food items.

• The National Food Buffer Stock Company will continue supplying non-perishables such as rice, beans, maize, and other grains.

“This new framework ensures shared responsibility between government agencies and school leadership,” Iddrisu said. “The aim is not to reverse decentralisation but to enhance it with more accountability.”

He also hinted that up to 40% of perishables may soon be directly sourced by school heads, pending ongoing consultations.

GH₵600 Million Spent, Yet Complaints Persist

Despite spending between GH₵500 million and GH₵600 million from December 2024 to June 2025, including GH₵203 million and GH₵208 million disbursed just this week, the quality of food remains substandard in many schools.

Mr. Iddrisu shared a personal story to highlight the extent of the problem:

“I am not typically a WhatsApp user, but the President insisted I join. Since then, I’ve received disturbing photos of poor-quality gari and palm nuts being served to students. These images are deeply troubling and must be acted on.”

Nationwide Audit in Progress

The Internal Audit Unit of the Ministry has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive audit across all 16 regions, focusing on spending efficiency, food quality, and supplier accountability.

“We are actively negotiating and working with CHASS to ensure that every cedi spent leads to better food and nutrition for our students,” the Minister noted.

Government Reaffirms Commitment

The government reaffirmed its commitment to improving the Free SHS programme, placing student welfare and nutrition at the heart of the reforms.

The findings from the audit are expected to shape upcoming policy adjustments and ensure value for money in one of Ghana’s most significant educational investments.