Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Reassures SHS Students on Feeding as Government Re-engineers School Infrastructure

As senior high schools across Ghana reopen for the 2026/2027 academic year, the government has moved to secure student welfare and clarify the status of educational infrastructure projects. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced that GH₵4.2 billion has been allocated to ensure uninterrupted feeding under the Free SHS program. This financial commitment follows a direct mandate from President John Mahama to review the SHS menu to improve nutritional standards, specifically including the addition of eggs and chicken to student meals. During inspection tours in the Western Region, Minister Iddrisu emphasized that student welfare remains a priority, even as parents report mixed experiences with the admission process for new students.

In the Ashanti Region, Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has addressed public concerns regarding the status of a 12-classroom school block in Mankranso. Refuting rumors that the structure would be demolished to make way for a market, Dr. Amoakohene clarified that the facility is being re-engineered to support the government's 24-Hour Economy Market Project while retaining its primary educational function. The redesign is intended to create a multi-purpose space that serves both traditional students and the children of market women. This project, confirmed by officials from Eco Planners and the District Directorate of Education, represents a push toward inclusive regional development that integrates commerce with essential social services.

Beyond immediate logistics and infrastructure, there is a renewed national focus on the long-term advancement of science and health education. Partnerships between the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) and initiatives like the Science Digest Show are working to demystify scientific fields and provide mentorship to students at top-performing institutions such as Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC-Legon). These programs aim to bridge the gap between historical African scientific knowledge and modern technological needs, advocating for better resources and trained teachers in less endowed schools.

By addressing immediate needs such as food security and classroom availability while fostering a culture of scientific inquiry, the government and its partners are seeking to transform Ghana's educational landscape. The combination of the GH₵4.2 billion feeding investment and the strategic re-engineering of school facilities in Mankranso suggests a policy direction focused on both human welfare and economic utility. As the academic year progresses, the focus will likely remain on ensuring these resources reach students effectively to support the nation's broader development goals.