Naa Momo Lartey pledges to enhance food quality in School Feeding Programme

The Minister-Designate for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has vowed to improve the quality of food provided under the School Feeding Programme. 

Speaking during her vetting by the Appointments Committee on Wednesday, January 22, the nominee stressed the need for decentralisation to ensure timely food delivery and better monitoring at the district level.  

“The School Feeding Programme is something we all appreciate, but if a child is not properly fed, it affects their ability to concentrate in class,” she said. “While the initiative has its strengths, there is room for improvement, particularly in the processes leading to the distribution of food.”  

The Member of Parliament for Krowor Constituency highlighted her commitment to working closely with stakeholders to enhance the programme. She stated, “I believe that effective decentralisation of the programme will ensure that food is delivered on time and the quality is monitored at the district level.”  

Naa Momo Lartey stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving the programme’s goals, ensuring it benefits both the children and the service providers.  

On Women’s Bank Initiative  

During the vetting, Naa Momo Lartey also addressed questions about the National Democratic Congress’ manifesto promise to establish a women’s bank aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs.  

Responding to concerns that the initiative might disadvantage men, she explained that existing financial systems already favour men, leaving women in the informal sector at a disadvantage.  

“There is an existing financial support structure that serves the interests of men more than women. Additionally, many women are in the informal sector, where access to collateral is limited, and the high interest rates charged by traditional banks are unaffordable,” she said.  

The nominee expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This initiative will make a significant difference. I’m excited about it, and I’m sure the people of Ghana will be as well when they see it come to fruition.”  

She further highlighted the collaborative approach required to implement such projects, noting the vital role of the Ministry of Finance. “My ministry is one of those that work intersectorally, so we rely on other ministries, particularly the Ministry of Finance, to guide such initiatives. Ultimately, women will be the primary beneficiaries of this project,” she added.