Government Plans To Increase Free SHS Feeding Allowance In 2027 Budget

Story By: Zainab Ali

The government has announced plans to increase the GH¢15 per-student feeding allocation under the Free Senior High School programme in the 2027 Budget, a proposed adjustment aimed at addressing feeding pressures in public senior high schools.

Mr Iddrisu also disclosed that President Mahama had directed the inclusion of chicken and eggs in an improved menu for students in public senior high schools under the programme. The Education Ministry has engaged the National Food Buffer Stock Company and is working with the Ghana Commodity Exchange to facilitate the introduction of the food items, subject to procurement requirements.

The proposed changes come as the government seeks to address financial challenges affecting the operation of senior high schools. The Minister said the government was committed to settling approximately GH¢161 million in outstanding arrears owed to schools for perishable food supplies and other recurrent expenses covering the period from 2021 to 2025. He said the amounts had been audited and validated, with payment to be facilitated in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.

The Minister further explained that following the uncapping of the Ghana Education Trust Fund, allocations under the GETFund formula had ranged between GH¢3 billion and GH¢4.2 billion, with about 42 per cent dedicated to the Free SHS programme. The government is also considering a funding arrangement under which schools could receive their annual allocations for perishable food supplies at the beginning of the academic year, subject to lawful procurement procedures.

The feeding allocation is a significant issue because meals are an essential part of students’ daily school experience. Adequate and nutritious food supports students’ wellbeing, while predictable funding can help school administrators plan purchases, manage suppliers and reduce disruptions to feeding arrangements.

However, the effectiveness of the proposed increase will depend on the final amount approved in the 2027 Budget, the timing of payments and the ability of schools to procure food reliably. The planned inclusion of chicken and eggs will also require careful purchasing and distribution arrangements to ensure that the intended improvements reach students.

The government’s next steps will therefore be important in determining how quickly the proposals translate into practical improvements in school meals. For students, parents and school authorities, the key issue will be whether the new measures provide more reliable funding and better-quality meals while helping schools meet their daily operating needs.