The school leadership views on the impact of the national school feeding programme in Ghana : the case study of Adumanu M/A and Ayaasi D/A primary schools

Abstract

This study seeks to investigate the school leadership views on the impact of the Ghana National School Feeding Programme (GNSFP). The qualitative methodology was utilized. The data were collected with semi-structured focus group interviews in two primary schools. The informants were members of the five leadership groups of each school. Thematic coding and network analysis were used to answer the three research questions. The results reveal that the school feeding programme has a positive impact on school enrolment, attendance and retention as well as heath issues such as the nutrition quality improving cognitive skills, and minimizing HIV/Aids. Further, the results show that the programme motivates the students, improves families` savings and reduces absenteeism among students. Different from several other countries with school feeding programmes, the GNSFP does not apply deworming and food supplements like vitamins. There were also negative effects accompanied by the enrolment, attendance and retention such as overcrowding, poor supervision, marking of pupils` exercises, lack of furniture and classrooms. Some findings were not previously mentioned in the literature: First, school leaders enjoyed the meals free of charge. Second, the school attendance was motivated by physical punishment, teachers‟ motivation and professional competencies. Lastly, absenteeism was caused by child labour. The study recommends a further research on the impacts of the GNSFP in other districts, disciplinary action as a means to induce attendance and the issue of child labour.