Ghana’s School Feeding Programme is set to undergo a significant transformation as it transitions from a manual to a digital system aimed at improving efficiency and transparency. The announcement was made by Minister Dakoa Newman during a press briefing in Accra, where she detailed plans for the new Information Management System (IMS) set to launch in the 2024-2025 academic year.
The digital system will manage key aspects of the programme, including caterer selection, data collection, and payment processes. Prospective caterers will be required to apply online, submit relevant documentation, and pay a registration fee of GHC200. This move is expected to streamline the process, reduce duplication, and enhance accountability within the programme.
Minister Newman highlighted the benefits of the new system, including real-time updates that will allow the Ministry to monitor progress more effectively. The IMS will initially be piloted in New Juaben South and Krachi East districts before being rolled out nationwide. The digital shift aligns with the government’s broader goal of moving toward a paperless and more efficient public sector.
Additionally, the Minister announced the recent passage of the Affirmative Action Bill by Parliament. Although the bill is awaiting presidential assent, it represents a crucial step toward promoting gender equality and empowering women in Ghana. Minister Newman emphasized the importance of supporting the bill’s implementation and dispelled misconceptions about tokenism, noting that Ghanaian women are well-qualified for leadership roles.