Ghana’s School Feeding Programme is set to undergo a significant transformation by introducing a digital management system, announced Dakoa Newman, the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
The new system, slated to launch in September 2024, will replace the current manual procedures with an online platform designed to streamline operations and enhance transparency.
Newman revealed that the digital platform will encompass several vital functions, including caterer selection, data collection, and payment processing.
The move aims to improve efficiency, reduce duplication, and increase accountability within the programme.
“We are transitioning from a manual system to an electronic one,” Newman said during the latest Ministers’ Press Briefing in Accra.
“This new system will help us streamline the process, provide real-time updates, and ensure greater accountability.”
Under the new system, prospective caterers must apply online, pay a registration fee of GHC200, and create a profile for eligibility assessment.
They will also be required to submit health certificates, business operating permits, and proof of financial capability.
The digital system promises instant updates, enabling the ministry to monitor caterer performance and programme progress more effectively.
“We will have real-time information on caterer activities, eliminating the need to wait until the end of the term for updates,” Newman noted.
The minister also announced that the system will be piloted in the New Juaben South District of the Eastern Region and the Krachi East District of Oti before a full nationwide rollout.
She urged caterers to embrace the new platform and apply online, highlighting the initiative as a step towards a paperless, more sustainable society.
“This is a significant step towards modernizing the Ghana School Feeding Programme and making it more efficient,” Newman added.
“We are excited about the benefits this new system will bring and look forward to its successful implementation.”
