The Ghana School Feeding Program is transitioning to a digital system for caterer selection and management, while the Affirmative Action Bill nears presidential assent. Learn more about these significant updates.
In a landmark move towards modernization, the Ghana School Feeding Program is set to transition from its traditional manual processes to a comprehensive Information Management System (IMS). This change, announced by the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dokoa Newman, aims to streamline operations, including the selection of caterers, data collection, and payments, by managing everything online.
At a press briefing in Accra, Minister Newman detailed the upcoming changes, highlighting that caterers interested in participating in the program will now need to apply through an online portal. The application process includes a non-refundable fee of GH¢ 200. Caterers will create online profiles, complete necessary forms, and provide documentation such as a bank statement showing a minimum balance of GH¢ 5,000, a health certificate, and a business permit. This system will first be tested in two constituencies—New Juaben South and Krachi East—before being implemented nationwide across all 16 regions of Ghana.
The move to an online application process is expected to resolve many of the existing challenges associated with caterer selection, aiming to enhance efficiency and transparency within the program. The selected caterers will be responsible for feeding students during the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic years.
In addition to this digital transformation, the Minister also addressed the status of the Affirmative Action Bill. Passed by Parliament on July 30, the bill is currently awaiting presidential assent. Minister Newman noted that while the bill circulating on social media might not reflect the final version, additional clauses have been added and others removed to address constitutional concerns. She assured the public that the bill represents a genuine effort to advance gender equality in Ghana, and it will be signed into law once all procedures are completed.
These significant updates underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing social protection through technology and advancing gender equality in Ghana.
For further information and the latest updates on such developments, stay tuned and visit 365marktech.africa.
Image Source: Dakoa Newman
