GES Releases Funds for Purchase of Perishable Food Items for SHS Schools

The Ghana Education Service has announced the release of outstanding funds for the procurement of perishable food items for Senior High and Technical Schools across the country.

In a statement dated April 20, 2026, and signed by Head of Public Relations Daniel Fenyi, the Service said the funds had been received and processes had begun to distribute them to the various schools.

According to GES, monitoring and accountability measures have been put in place to ensure the funds are used solely for their intended purpose.

Mr. Fenyi later confirmed that the full amount required for perishables had been released and was expected to be transferred into school accounts within days.

He explained that the school feeding system is divided into perishable and non-perishable items. While non-perishables such as rice and grains continue to be supplied through the National Food Buffer Stock Company, delays in funding for perishables had created challenges for school authorities.

The development follows growing concerns raised by the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools and the Conference of Principals of Technical Institutions over rising food costs and delays in funding fresh food supplies such as vegetables, meat, and eggs.

A meeting chaired by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu on April 17 sought to address the concerns and maintain food supply arrangements under the Free SHS programme.

CHASS had earlier warned that continued delays could affect academic activities if funding was not released promptly.

The Free SHS feeding programme currently serves more than 1.2 million students nationwide, with GH¢4.2 billion allocated to the programme in the 2026 budget.

GES says a follow-up statement detailing the disbursement process is expected in due course.