Ghana News
It’s More Than a Meal: How School Feeding Programs Are Boosting Ghana’s Economy
On harmattan mornings in this dusty community, the fine dust settles on classroom desks and dry wind brushes against the faces of children walking barefoot to school.
For young Abdul-Wahab Mohammed, those mornings often began with an empty stomach. His father’s two-acre farm could not sustain their family of 24 year-round, and breakfast was a luxury during lean seasons.
What kept him in school was the promise of a meal—rice and gravy stew, peanut soup, or beans with gari (the local dish known as “Gobe”)—served by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). That meal, he says, “wasn’t just food. It was relief. It was energy. It was dignity.”
Today, Mohammed has returned to those same communities as a WFP communications officer, wearing the organization’s vest and documenting the stories of children whose paths mirror his own. His journey from hungry schoolboy to humanitarian professional embodies a transformation that Ghana is now scaling nationwide: school feeding programs that do far more than fill empty stomachs.
The Economic Multiplier Effect
School feeding in Ghana has evolved into a sophisticated economic development tool that connects classrooms to farms, markets, and livelihoods. The program currently reaches approximately 3 million pupils across the country, including 60,000 in the northern regions where Mohammed grew up. With a GH¢1.98 billion allocation in the 2026 national budget, the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) represents one of the government’s largest investments in both education and local economic development.
The economic logic is straightforward: when schools purchase food locally, they create predictable demand that stabilizes agricultural markets. In February 2026, President Mahama reinforced this connection through a directive requiring all public schools—from basic to tertiary—to purchase only Ghanaian-produced rice, maize, chicken, and eggs. The “Buy Ghana, Eat Ghana” policy tasks five agencies, including the Ministry of Education, the School Feeding Programme, and the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFBC) with ensuring compliance.
For farmers like those in the Bolgatanga, Bawku and Navrongo (BBN) Farmers’ Cooperative Union in the Upper East Region, this guaranteed market has been transformative. Priscilla Aberinga Alemiya, General Manager of BBN Cooperative, explains that WFP’s intervention came at a critical time when falling rice prices threatened the cooperative’s survival. “If not for the WFP project, the cooperative might have folded,” she says. Instead, with access to stable school markets and $80,000 in rice fortification equipment from WFP, the cooperative increased production capacity from 315 tonnes to 485 tonnes, earned approximately GH¢400,000 in profit, and sustained jobs for its 1,256 members.
Women: The Hidden Workforce Powering School Feeding
Behind every school meal is a network of women who rise before dawn to light fires, fetch water, wash ingredients, and prepare food in large pots under simple wooden sheds. These caterers—predominantly female—manage the entire supply chain, from purchasing food at local markets to transporting and serving meals, often for several hundred children daily .
For women like Stella Nyaaba, leader of the Bongo Lelingo Asongtaaba Parboilers Group, the school feeding program has lifted a heavy burden. “Unlike before, when we struggled on market days and were burdened with transportation costs just to sell one bag of parboiled rice, WFP has lifted that burden,” she says. “Even if we have 20 or 30 bags, BBN buys everything at once and pays us in bulk, enabling us to save and support our families” .
The government is investing in these women’s success. In February 2026, the GSFP launched nationwide capacity-building training for caterers, emphasizing adherence to approved menus and the use of locally sourced ingredients. During an inspection of caterer training in East Gonja, Salaga South MP Hajia Ibrahimah Mohammed commended the initiative as “timely and strategic,” noting that compliance with nutritional guidelines is crucial for enhancing children’s health and academic performance.
Yet challenges remain. A recent study by French research institute IRD and the University of Ghana reveals that many caterers operate without stable incomes or formal recognition. Government payments are often months late, forcing women to advance their own money, go into debt with suppliers, or take on second jobs to continue feeding students. When funds are delayed too long, portions shrink and meals lose nutritional diversity. Addressing these payment delays could unlock even greater economic impact from this predominantly female workforce.
Innovation: Fortified Rice and Local Value Chains
Ghana is also pioneering nutritional innovations that strengthen local agriculture. WFP, with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), has introduced fortified rice into school feeding programs across six regions—Upper East, Upper West, Northern, Ashanti, Oti, and Greater Accra. The initiative enriches rice with essential vitamins and minerals during milling, addressing micronutrient deficiencies in a country where 2.4 million children are malnourished.
The program targets 157,510 students across 365 basic schools and 35 senior high schools. Early results are promising: participating private schools have seen a 7.9 percent increase in enrolment, suggesting that quality meals attract and retain students.
To ensure sustainability, WFP has invested in local production capacity, delivering four rice fortification machines worth over $80,000 to millers in the Upper East, Ashanti, Greater Accra, and North-East regions. In 2025, BBN Cooperative and Ko Franco Farms supplied 170 tonnes of fortified rice and 61.7 tonnes of parboiled unpolished rice to nine senior high schools.
Franco Obour, CEO of Ko Franco Farms, notes that his company was one of only three selected for the program nationwide.
“This initiative promotes the use of locally produced rice rather than imports,” he says. His farm has already supplied its first 45 tonnes of fortified rice, with NAFBC purchasing for senior high schools.
At Ejisu Secondary Technical School in the Ashanti Region, Headmistress Grace Asomani has witnessed the nutritional benefits firsthand.
“Fortified rice contains added nutrients unlike the ordinary polished white rice we are used to,” she explains. “If we continue feeding students with fortified rice, malnutrition will eventually be a thing of the past.”
Community-Level Innovation
Beyond national programs, local leaders are creating innovative supply solutions. Central Regional Minister Ekow Okyere Panyin Eduamoah has cultivated 100 acres of farmland to supply fresh produce directly to schools, part of President Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy Market policy. The farm grows crops designed to enhance nutritional value while making it easier for caterers to access fresh, quality food at affordable prices.
Regional GSFP Coordinator Janet Quansah says the initiative will ease the financial burden on caterers who struggle with high food costs while boosting local food production and strengthening national food security.
Evidence-Based Policy
The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) is pushing for even more targeted approaches. In recommendations accompanying its latest Quarterly Food Insecurity Report, the GSS urges the government to “target high-burden regions with tailored food security, agriculture, and market-access solutions instead of one-size-fits-all approaches.” The report calls for expanding nutrition-sensitive social protection, prioritizing female-headed households, and linking food security to jobs and livelihoods through skills development and rural income diversification.
At the sub-national level, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies are encouraged to use food insecurity and labor data to identify vulnerable communities and align development plans accordingly.
A Personal Lens, A National Vision
For Mohammed, now documenting the stories of children receiving the same meals that sustained him, the transformation is deeply personal. On a recent visit to a northern school, he paused to watch rows of children seated patiently, bowls in hand, eyes bright with anticipation. The aroma from cooking pots filled the air—just as it did when he was a boy.
“In those kitchens, you see strength. In those farms, you see resilience. In those classrooms, you see possibility,” he reflects. “School feeding is not charity. It is an investment. It is strategy. It is transformation woven across students, farmers, and women”.
As International School Meals Day approaches, that transformation offers a model for global audiences: when school feeding programs are designed as economic development tools—connecting farmers to markets, employing women as entrepreneurs, and nourishing future leaders—they feed nations, one meal at a time.
This story was developed from a first-person account by Abdul-Wahab Mohammed, Ghana Communications Officer for the World Food Programme, with additional reporting on Ghana’s school feeding initiatives and agricultural policies.
Ghana News
Ghana Eyes Boeing Fleet for National Carrier Revival as Ambassador Smith Opens Technical Talks
Discussions in Seattle covered fleet acquisition, maintenance partnerships, aviation training, and capacity development as Ghana seeks to position Accra as West Africa’s ‘gateway’.
Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Emmanuel Smith, has held high-level discussions with executives at Boeing in Seattle, Washington, as part of efforts to explore strategic partnerships to revive Ghana’s national carrier — with a particular focus on securing appropriate fleet equipment.
The engagement was part of the Ambassador’s ongoing drive to deepen economic and commercial cooperation between Ghana and leading American industries, while positioning Ghana as a competitive aviation and transportation hub in West Africa.
‘We Would Appreciate a Partnership With Boeing’
During the meeting, Ambassador Smith underscored the importance of a strong and efficient national airline in supporting Ghana’s trade, tourism, investment, and connectivity ambitions under the country’s broader economic transformation agenda.
“We would appreciate a partnership with Boeing in securing appropriate equipment to ensure that the rebirth of a national carrier does not elude us,” he stated.
He stated that the re-establishment of a national airline would not only strengthen Ghana’s global connectivity but also stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and reinforce Ghana’s position as the gateway to West Africa.
Technical Talks Cover Fleet, Maintenance, and Training
The discussions explored several concrete areas of collaboration, including:
- Fleet acquisition – securing appropriate aircraft for the revived carrier
- Technical support – engineering and operational assistance
- Aviation training – building local expertise and capacity
- Maintenance partnerships – establishing or enhancing domestic maintenance capabilities
- Broader capacity development – strengthening Ghana’s overall aviation ecosystem
These technical talks represent a significant step beyond political declarations, moving toward operational planning for a national airline that successive Ghanaian governments have attempted to launch following the collapse of Ghana Airways and later Ghana International Airlines.
Boeing Sees ‘Tremendous Potential’ in Ghana
The Boeing team welcomed the engagement and expressed optimism about the prospects of Ghana’s aviation sector. Senior Manager Rachel Peterson noted that Boeing sees significant opportunity within the Ghanaian aviation market.
“We believe the Ghanaian aviation market has tremendous potential to serve as an engine for economic growth, and we appreciate the opportunity to share how Boeing could support the development of a national carrier. We look forward to continuing the conversations we had,” Peterson said.
Her comments reflect a broader strategic interest from American aerospace manufacturers in Africa’s growing air travel demand, as the continent’s middle class expands and intra-African connectivity improves under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Positioning Accra as West Africa’s Gateway
Ambassador Smith reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to building strong partnerships with global industry leaders capable of contributing meaningfully to the country’s modernisation and infrastructure aspirations.
The push for a national carrier comes as Ghana seeks to challenge established regional aviation hubs in Lagos, Abidjan, and Dakar. Proponents argue that a well-managed, commercially viable flag carrier could:
- Boost tourism by improving direct international connections
- Facilitate trade through passenger and cargo capacity
- Create thousands of direct and indirect jobs
- Enhance Ghana’s attractiveness for foreign investment
Broader Diplomatic and Economic Push
The visit to Boeing forms part of a broader series of engagements by the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, D.C., aimed at attracting investment, strengthening strategic partnerships, and promoting Ghana’s long-term economic transformation agenda.
Earlier this week, the government formally launched a search for strategic investors to establish a new national airline, setting an ambitious timeline that could see the carrier fully operational by the first quarter of 2027. The Boeing discussions complement that investor search, with fleet acquisition being a critical component of any successful launch.
What Comes Next
While no formal agreement has been announced, the Seattle talks signal that Ghana is serious about securing the equipment and technical backing needed to revive its national carrier.
Boeing’s expressed interest suggests that the American aerospace giant views Ghana as a promising market for future growth.
Ambassador Smith has not disclosed a timeline for the next round of discussions, but his office indicated that engagement with Boeing will continue as part of Ghana’s broader aviation ambitions.
For now, the message from Seattle is clear: Ghana is open for business, and it is looking to American partners to help get its national carrier off the ground.
A 39-year-old award-winning radio presenter from Durban has emerged as the unlikely leader of March-on-March, the anti-immigrant group behind the latest wave of attacks targeting African nationals across South Africa.
South Africans are currently up in arms, demonstrating and demanding that other African nationals who are in their country “illegally” leave because they are “stealing” jobs meant for their people.
These protests have resulted in violent confrontations with foreign nationals from across the continent, including Ghanaians and Nigerians, who are often brutalised and have their businesses vandalised.
The protests have also been captured driving foreign nationals out of South African public schools and health facilities.
But who is behind these protests, which have happened almost every year for the past decade? The answer is Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, a 39-year-old mother, media personality, and the founder of an anti-illegal immigrant group called March-on-March.
From Radio Studio to Political Activism
Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma is a radio presenter based in Durban, best known for hosting “The Cruise” on Vuma FM. Her broadcasting career spans multiple stations, including Vibe FM, Inanda FM, and Gagasi FM. In 2020, she won the Best Female Radio Presenter award at the KZN Entertainment Awards — a testament to her influence and reach in South African media.
Yet it is not her radio work that has brought her international attention. In 2024, Ngobese-Zuma established March-on-March, a group created to “bring some spotlight to the issue of illegal immigration in South Africa” and to demand that South African citizens be prioritised in healthcare and public services.
Since its founding, March-on-March has grown from a local advocacy group into a national movement, organising protests that have drawn condemnation from leaders across the African continent, who describe the attacks as either “xenophobia” or “afrophobia”.
The Group’s Demands
Ngobese-Zuma’s March-on-March is currently advocating for three core policy objectives:
1. Enhanced Border Control and Immigration Enforcement
The group is demanding stricter enforcement of immigration regulations in South Africa, which it says is necessary to protect national security and ensure fair resource allocation.
2. Job Prioritisation for South African Citizens
March-on-March is fighting for policies that prioritise South African citizens in job markets and ensure fair employment opportunities without unfair competition from undocumented workers — a direct response to longstanding grievances about foreign nationals “stealing jobs.”
3. Protection of Public Services
The group is campaigning to ensure that public services — healthcare, education, and social benefits — remain accessible to South African citizens without being strained by undocumented migration.
‘We Are Not Xenophobic’
In a recent interview, Ngobese-Zuma forcefully refuted assertions that the actions of her movement amount to xenophobia or afrophobia. Instead, she accused foreign nationals of being responsible for the high rate of crime in South Africa, adding that they are also serving as cheap labour and taking over jobs meant for the people of her country.
“We’re coming under attack from all across Africa for standing up for ourselves. And the quickest thing that they do, these other people from outside of South Africa, is to label us as xenophobic. You know, people who are not even in South Africa, who don’t even know what we’re going through, they don’t want to listen to what we’re complaining about,” she said.
“We’ve lived with people from outside South Africa, actually, for 32 years, 32 years in millions and millions of them, but if you walk right down the road, you’ll find that they now are taking over buildings, there’s prostitution, there’s drugs, there’s cartels, there’s mafias. Everything in this country is a fertile ground for criminals to thrive,” she fumed.
She added:
“So we’re not getting the best of the best when it comes to immigrants. We’re getting those immigrants who are running away from their countries because they know that they are criminal elements, and our government is just letting them be because they want to paint them as victims. They’re not victims.”
A Decade of Recurring Violence
The story notes that these protests have happened “almost every year for the past decade,” indicating a chronic pattern of xenophobic violence in South Africa. From the 2015 attacks on foreign nationals to the 2019 Johannesburg unrest and now the 2026 March-on-March-led protests, the country has struggled to contain waves of anti-immigrant sentiment.
Leaders across the African continent, from Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama to the African Union Commission, have repeatedly condemned these attacks. However, Ngobese-Zuma and her followers remain unmoved, arguing that African leaders do not understand the lived reality of ordinary South Africans.
What This Means for African Nationals
For Ghanaians, Nigerians, Zimbabweans, and other African nationals living in South Africa, March-on-March represents a direct threat. The group’s rhetoric has translated into action: businesses vandalised, individuals assaulted, and foreign nationals driven out of public facilities.
The Ghanaian government has issued travel advisories, and the Minority Caucus in Parliament has demanded presidential-level engagement with South African authorities. Meanwhile, victims like Emmanuel Asamoah — whose assault was widely circulated on social media — have become symbols of the crisis.
The Road Ahead
As March-on-March continues to gain momentum, questions remain about how South African authorities will respond. Ngobese-Zuma shows no sign of backing down, and her media background gives her a powerful platform to amplify her message.
Whether African leaders can persuade both the South African government and movements like March-on-March to embrace dialogue over violence remains to be seen. For now, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma stands as the face behind South Africa’s xenophobic protests — a radio presenter turned political firebrand who has become the nemesis of African nationals across the continent.
Ghana News
No Ghanaian Killed in South Africa Xenophobic Attacks, Arrests Made in Missing Couple Case, and Other Big Stories in Ghana
Welcome to our curated news roundup for this morning. We have gathered the most relevant stories from across Ghana today. Here are the top stories you need to know:
No Ghanaian Killed in Xenophobic Attacks – Envoy Debunks Viral Death Claims
Ghana’s Ambassador to South Africa has officially debunked viral social media claims suggesting that a Ghanaian national has been killed in the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals. The envoy confirmed that while there have been incidents of harassment, assault, and business looting targeting Ghanaians in parts of South Africa—including KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, and Gauteng—no fatalities have been recorded among Ghanaian citizens. The clarification comes amid heightened tensions following the widely circulated assault on Ghanaian Emmanuel Asamoah. The embassy continues to advise Ghanaians in South Africa to exercise caution, limit non-essential movements, and remain in contact with diplomatic missions as South African authorities work to restore order.
Accra Missing Couple: Police Arrest Two Suspects
The Ghana Police Service has arrested two suspects in connection with the mysterious disappearance of an Accra-based couple, whose identities have not yet been publicly released. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the two individuals are currently in custody assisting with investigations as detectives piece together the timeline leading up to the couple’s disappearance from their residence in the Greater Accra Region. Police have assured the public that all leads are being pursued and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. Residents in the community have expressed growing unease, and family members are appealing for any information that could lead to the safe return of their loved ones.
Pastor, Two Others Remanded Over Attempt to Bury Baby Alive
A pastor and two other individuals have been remanded into police custody following their arrest for an alleged attempt to bury a baby alive. The suspects reportedly conspired to carry out the act under unclear circumstances before their plan was uncovered. The magistrate court remanded them to allow for further investigations into the disturbing allegations. The case has sparked public outrage and renewed discussions about child protection and the role of religious figures in community safety. The infant has reportedly been taken into protective care as authorities continue to build their case against the accused.
Read the full story here
Defence Ministry Denies Claims of Military Land Allocation to Ibrahim Mahama
The Ministry of Defence has officially denied recent claims suggesting that military land has been allocated to businessman Ibrahim Mahama, brother of former President John Dramani Mahama. In a statement, the Ministry described the allegations as false and urged the public to disregard them. The denial comes amid ongoing public debate over state assets and land allocation under the current administration. The Ministry reaffirmed that all military lands remain under the strict control of the Ghana Armed Forces and that no such allocation has been authorized.
GSE Adds Nearly GH¢2.2 Billion in Single Day as MTN Ghana, ADB, and SIC Ignite Rally
The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) recorded a remarkable single-day gain of nearly GH¢2.2 billion, driven by a powerful rally in MTN Ghana, Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), and SIC Insurance Company. The surge represents one of the most significant daily market performances in recent months, signaling renewed investor confidence in Ghana’s equities market. Market analysts attribute the rally to strong corporate earnings reports and positive sentiment following the government’s progress on IMF programme targets. The benchmark GSE Composite Index closed significantly higher, with MTN Ghana alone contributing substantially to the market capitalization increase.
5-Year-Old Miguel Ntsiful Battles Life-Threatening Brain Condition as Family Seeks GH₵53k for Urgent Surgery
A deeply distressing medical case involving five-year-old Miguel Ntsiful has come to light, with urgent calls for support as he battles a severe brain condition requiring critical care. Miguel has been diagnosed with a posterior fossa tumour with obstructive hydrocephalus, a serious neurological condition that demands urgent and specialised medical intervention. He has already undergone one surgery and is now preparing for a second, more critical procedure. Doctors and caregivers are seeking a total amount of GH₵53,000 to support the next stage of his treatment. A breakdown of expenses includes GH₵15,000 for Motor drill & drill bits, GH₵8,000 for Cranio/Neuroset, GH₵10,000 for Neuro Consumables, and other surgical and hospitalisation fees. The Multimedia Group Limited is championing the story to mobilise assistance for the child’s treatment and recovery. Donations can be made via UBA account number 02514278803503 (Multimedia Foundation) or by calling 0593038842.
Adabraka Jailbreak: Police Seek Public Help to Track Three Fugitives
The Ghana Police Service has called on the public to assist in locating three inmates who remain on the run after escaping from custody at the Adabraka Police Station in Accra. The incident occurred on Sunday, April 26, 2026, when six suspects broke out of lawful detention, triggering a widespread security operation across the city. Authorities have since re-arrested three of the escapees, while efforts continue to track down the remaining individuals. Police have heightened security presence in various parts of Accra as part of an intensified manhunt. Investigations are ongoing to determine how the suspects managed to escape, with particular focus on potential security breaches at the station. The Police Service has assured that all tips will be treated with strict confidentiality and urged the public to provide any reliable information that could lead to the capture of the fugitives.
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