The Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) has rolled out a nationwide practical cooking training for caterers and head cooks as part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving the quality, safety, and nutritional value of meals served to basic school pupils across the country.
The initiative, which is being implemented in phases, seeks to equip caterers with hands-on skills in hygienic food preparation, menu planning, portion control, and cost-effective cooking, while ensuring strict adherence to approved nutritional standards.
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As part of the nationwide exercise, one of the training centres was hosted at the Akatsi South Library, where caterers and cooks drawn from various schools within the Volta region participated in intensive practical sessions.
During a visit to the centre by Awake News, the caterers and head cooks expressed deep satisfaction and excitement about the training, describing it as timely and impactful. Many of them hailed President John Dramani Mahama led NDC government for what they termed meaningful reforms within the Ghana School Feeding Programme, noting that the current approach demonstrates a renewed commitment to both child nutrition and the welfare of caterers.
According to the participants, the practical nature of the training has enhanced their understanding of food hygiene, proper storage of ingredients, balanced meal preparation, and the efficient use of locally sourced foodstuffs, especially in the face of rising food prices.
The caterers also showered praise on the Volta Regional Coordinator of the GSFP, Madam Fafa Delphia Agbai, who is also the Volta Regional Women’s Organiser of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), for her effective coordination and hands-on leadership throughout the exercise. They described her as responsive, supportive, and committed to ensuring that caterers across the region fully benefit from the programme.
The Ghana School Feeding Programme remains one of Ghana’s flagship social intervention initiatives, supporting school enrolment and retention while creating employment opportunities for thousands of caterers, food suppliers, and local farmers nationwide.
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The nationwide practical cooking training is expected to continue across all regions, reinforcing efforts to professionalise the programme, enhance accountability, and strengthen public confidence in the delivery of quality meals to schoolchildren.
The caterers and cooks at the Akatsi South training centre expressed happiness and renewed motivation, stating that the reforms and capacity-building initiatives have restored their confidence in the programme and their crucial role in national development.
