By Nana Agyei | 23 January, 2025
Center for Global Development
Intro
Ghana’s education system has made significant strides in recent years, with the introduction of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy in 2017. However, a disturbing trend has emerged, threatening to undermine the progress made. Reports of food theft and financial mismanagement have surfaced in several Senior High Schools, leaving students vulnerable to hunger, poor health, and compromised academic performance. This investigative report delves into the scope of the problem, its impact on students, and the measures being taken to address the issue.
The Problem
The concerns regarding the mismanagement of food supplies and finances in Ghana’s Senior High Schools, particularly under the Free SHS policy, resonate with the findings from the “PA Report on School Feeding” authored by Mary Arthur and team. Although the report primarily focuses on the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP), it highlights similar issues of financial irregularities and inadequate provision of meals, which can be reflective of broader systemic challenges in educational institutions.
Misappropriation of Food Supplies: The GSFP report indicates that caterers often did not provide adequate meals due to financial constraints and mismanagement, with instances of caterers using unwholesome food items and failing to meet nutritional standards (from page 12 to page 32). This mirrors the reported shortages and compromised meal quality in Senior High Schools.
Financial Mismanagement: The GSFP audit revealed significant overpayments to caterers and discrepancies in financial records, with the National Secretariat failing to recover overpayments amounting to GH¢2,321,042.05 (from page 49 to page 56). This suggests a pattern of financial mismanagement that could also be present in the Free SHS program, as indicated by the 15% of schools audited showing discrepancies.
The issue of theft of food supplies and mismanagement of finances in Ghana’s Senior High Schools is a pressing concern that affects not only the education but also the well-being of students.
The Scope
To understand the scope of the problem, it is essential to recognize the components covered under the Free SHS policy, launched in 2017 which include the following:
- Tuition Fees: The policy covers the tuition fees for all students enrolled in Senior High Schools.
- Core Textbooks: Provision of core textbooks necessary for the curriculum is included.
- Boarding and Lodging: For students in boarding schools, the costs associated with boarding and lodging are covered.
- Meals: The policy also encompasses the provision of meals for students.
- Administrative Costs: Administrative expenses related to the operation of the schools are included in the coverage.
These components aim to make secondary education accessible to all Ghanaian students, thereby promoting educational equity and improving enrollment rates.
However, reports have surfaced about the misappropriation of food supplies, leading to shortages and compromised meal quality. Financial mismanagement, including the diversion of funds allocated for student welfare, has been identified in several institutions.
A recent audit by the Free SHS Secretariat revealed that approximately 15% of schools audited showed discrepancies in their inventory and financial records, indicating potential theft and mismanagement.
The Impact
The impact of these actions on students is multifaceted. Inadequate nutrition affects their health, leading to increased absenteeism and decreased academic performance. Hungry students struggle to concentrate, resulting in lower retention rates and exam scores. Furthermore, feelings of neglect and frustration can lead to unrest and disciplinary issues.
The Solution
To address this issue, parents must stay informed about their children’s school environment and well-being. Active participation in Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) can help hold school administrations accountable. Parents should also report any concerns regarding mismanagement to relevant authorities for the pursuit of legal actions against individuals found guilty of embezzlement and theft in schools.
A Call to Action
Despite the Ministry of Education having initiated stricter auditing processes and oversight committees to monitor resource allocation, it is up to parents, educators, and the community to unite against the mismanagement plaguing Senior High Schools.
Find attached the PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT
OF THE AUDITOR-GENERAL ON THE
MANAGEMENT OF GHANA SCHOOL FEEDING
PROGRAMME
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