Headteachers challenges of implementing school feeding programme in basic school at the Offinso South Municipality

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate into the challenges headteachers face in the implementation of the Ghana Schools Feeding Programme in basic schools in the Offinso South Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The objectives of the study were to find out practices involved in the implementation of the programme in basic schools, identify challenges associated with the implementation of the programme in basic schools, and to identify strategies to manage the challenges of implementing the Ghana School feeding programme in basic schools at Offinso South Municipality. Descriptive research design using the quantitative approach was adopted for the study. The target population comprised all basic schools and head teachers in the Offinso South Municipality. The accessible population for this study was 100 head teachers at Zone A basic schools in the Offinso South Municipality. Questionnaire was used for the study. Data were analyzed descriptively and presented using frequencies and percentages. The reliability test yielded cronbach alpha of 0.78. The study found that practices involved in implementing the Ghana School feeding programme were availability of independent body to supervise activities of the programme, and provision of adequate food items for the SFP. Challenges associated with the programme were delay in releasing feeding grants, and lack of kitchens and storage facilities. Strategies to manage the challenges of the programme were provision of suitable kitchen and students' canteen and sustainable source of funding, involving community members and local farmers, and increased collaboration and partnerships with individuals, private and international organizations. It is recommended, based on the findings, that the Municipal Directorate of Education and the Ghana school feeding secretariat should make sure there is consistent release of funds for effective implementation of the programme.