The Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) has rolled out a nationwide practical training programme for caterers and head cooks in beneficiary schools, aimed at improving the quality, safety and nutritional value of meals served to pupils.

The exercise, which covers all 16 regions of the country, is being carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Women in Agricultural Development (WIAD) Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

According to the GSFP, the training places strong emphasis on nutrition, hygiene, food safety and best practices in meal preparation, with a focus on equipping caterers with practical, hands-on skills to consistently deliver safe and nutritious meals to schoolchildren.

To ensure effective coordination and nationwide coverage, the country has been divided into three zones – Southern, Middle and Northern belts – with training sessions being held at 82 designated centres across the country.

The practical training programme officially commenced on December 15, 2025, and is currently underway in the Bono, Volta and Oti regions. Other regions are expected to follow according to the rollout schedule.

Officials say the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen service delivery under the School Feeding Programme and safeguard the health and well-being of pupils in beneficiary schools.

The GSFP noted that improving the capacity of caterers remains critical to achieving the programme’s objectives, especially as school feeding continues to play a key role in boosting school enrolment, retention and nutrition outcomes nationwide.