THE FALLOUT OF CRS SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME IN NORTHERN GHANA

We learnt with shock the decision by the government of United States of America to discontinue the CRS School feeding programme that has been running in some selected schools in the three northern regions. The programme has undoubtedly contributed to high school enrolment and retention but now that it is winding up it is very likely that enrolment and retention will be affected.

Indeed the much talked about government school feeding programmed can not be worthy substitute to CRS programme and it will therefore be inappropriate to withdraw the CRS programme with the argument that the government is feeding school children. For example out of 250 schools in the Tamale Metropolis only 6 are enjoying the government school Programme.

The story of the northern region is not difference as those of Upper east and West region. If government and other interested groups in education want to encourage enrolment and retention in school t hen there is the need to reconsider the decision by the CRS to pullout in September 2008.Government should also extend the list of beneficiaries of the of the school feeding programme especially in the three northern regions.

By this article it is my hope that the USA Government will consider extending the CRS school feeding programmed another five years.

Prince A.A.Mohammed

Assemblyman Fooshegu Electoral Area.

Tamale.