The forgotten JHS pupils: The gap in School Feeding Programme

Since its inception in 2005, Ghana’s School Feeding Programme has been a beacon of hope for many children in public primary schools, providing them with a daily hot meal and contributing to improved food security and poverty reduction.

However, there is a glaring omission in this otherwise commendable initiative – the exclusion of Junior High School (JHS) learners.

JHS learners, often at a critical stage in their development, are left out of the programme, a decision that has sparked national concern and raised questions about the rationale behind the policy.

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has rightfully questioned why JHS learners are skipped over, only for the feeding programme to resume in Senior High Schools (SHS).

The feeding programme in SHS has already demonstrated its effectiveness in enhancing student welfare and focus on studies

It is time for policymakers to revisit this issue and address the glaring gap in the School Feeding Programme

By including JHS learners in the programme, Ghana can reaffirm its commitment to providing quality education and ensuring the well-being of its future leaders.