Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Announces SHS Menu Quality Boost and GH"4.2 Billion Feeding Budget for 2026/2027 Academic Year

As Senior High Schools (SHS) across Ghana reopened on September 18 for the 2026/2027 academic year, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has assured students and parents of a significant improvement in meal provisions and nutritional standards. During a monitoring visit to Tarkwa Senior High School, the Minister announced that President John Mahama has specifically directed a comprehensive review of the SHS menu to enhance the quality of food served to students. This directive aims to address long-standing concerns regarding student welfare by introducing higher protein options, including chicken and eggs, into the daily school diet.

To support these nutritional improvements, the government has allocated GH₵4.2 billion for the Free SHS feeding program for the current fiscal year. Minister Iddrisu revealed plans to nearly double the feeding grant, increasing it from the previous GH₵8 to GH₵15 per student. This financial commitment is intended to prevent food shortages and ensure that schools are well-resourced to handle the influx of returning students. The academic calendar is already in full swing, with Form One and Form Two students projected to complete the year by July 30, 2027, while Form Three students are scheduled to finish their final examinations by June 18, 2027.

While the current administration focuses on student nutrition, broader discussions regarding the structural reforms of the education sector continue to highlight both successes and systemic hurdles. Reports from the Democracy Project indicate that the Free SHS program, originally initiated under the previous Akufo-Addo administration, maintains a high level of public approval at 86%. However, the sector still faces a "placement crisis" and political nuances that complicate implementation. Key challenges identified include persistent financial barriers, varying levels of student preparedness for secondary education, and a need for better guidance for parents during the computerized school selection process.

Moving forward, the Ministry of Education emphasizes that these reforms—ranging from infrastructure assessments to nutritional upgrades—are essential for the future of Ghanaian students and the nation's development. By prioritizing student welfare and addressing the complexities of the placement system, the government aims to minimize political interference in education. The Minister's ongoing school tours will continue to assess infrastructure needs and ensure that the increased feeding grants and revised menus are effectively implemented across all regions to support an uninterrupted and productive academic year.