The Vice-Chancellor of the Ghana Communication Technology University (GTUC) expressed concern over the poor quality of food being served to children in public schools under the School Feeding Programme.

Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, who is also a Professor of Food Science and Technology, noted that this issue could adversely affect the health of the pupils.

He attributed the problem to the delayed disbursement of payments to caterers responsible for preparing meals for these children.

"It is because the caterers are not paid on time. If the caterers are paid promptly, I believe they will be able to provide nutritious meals for all the children across the nation. But when they are not given their money, and they lack adequate capital to work with, they may cut corners and provide unsafe foods to the kids," he said on Friday, October 20, 2023.

Prof. Afoakwa acknowledged that the current budget of GHs1 per child is insufficient.

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He made these comments during an interview on PM Express: Personality Profile on JoyNews.

Speaking to host Ayisha Ibrahim, the VC emphasized that the low budget contributes to the poor quality of meals.

He stated, "In the end, it is the children who bear the brunt… I am very much aware that, after conducting assessments across the nation regarding the school feeding programs, the quality of food provided to these children is subpar."

The Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP), launched in 2005, forms the basis of Ghana's social protection strategy, aimed at encouraging more children to attend school and ensuring they have daily access to a nutritious meal.