The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman, has announced that the government has initiated the steps necessary to ensure that all processes involved in the Ghana School Feeding Programme are digitalised.
The minister said the programme will no longer rely on manual procedures but that the ministry will soon launch an information management system to manage the entire process.
The system will manage caterer selection, data collection and payment modules, she said.
Newman announced that the digitalised system, which seeks ultimately to increase the efficiency and transparency of the programme’s operations, will commence in September of the 2024-25 academic year.
“We are moving away from a manual system to an online system, where everything will be done electronically. This will help us to streamline the process, reduce duplication and increase accountability,” she said.
Dakoa Newman made the announcement at the Ministers’ Press Briefing series in Accra on Thursday, August 8.
Addressing the media, the minister said that under the new system, prospective caterers will be required to apply online, pay a fee of GHC200 and create a profile to be assessed for eligibility to take part in the programme.
She said caterers will also have to provide details, including health certificates, business operating permits and proof of financial capability.
Newman stressed that the digital system will provide instant updates, allowing the ministry to monitor progress more effectively.
“It’s going to give us a real-time update; we will know today the number of caterers who [have] cooked [in the past few weeks], without having to wait till the end of the term,” she said.
The minister also announced that the system will be piloted in the New Juaben South (Eastern Region) and Krachi East (Oti) Districts before being rolled out nationwide.
She encouraged caterers to apply online and take advantage of the new system.
“This is a key step towards a paperless society and a greener society,” she said. “We are excited to launch this new system and improve the efficiency of the Ghana School Feeding Programme.”