Accra, June 15, GNA- Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, Minister of NEPAD and Regional Integration, on Monday launched a task force that aims at reducing the current national poverty level to half by the year 2015. The multi-sectoral Hunger Task Force dubbed: "Ghana/NEPAD School Feeding Programme (GNSEP)" aims at reducing hunger and malnutrition at the pre-basic and basic school levels.

GNSEP, which is an initiative of The African Development Bank, also seeks to eradicate malnutrition among children; increase school enrolment, domestic food production and marketing in the rural areas. A number of farmers would be assisted to increase food production to sustain the Programme objective of providing at least a square meal a day to pupils.

Dr Apraku appealed to members of the Taskforce to align national policies that restore budgetary priority to agriculture as the engine of economic growth, provide rural infrastructure and human capacity. The Task force chaired by Dr Kwame Amoako Tuffuor, Special Advisor to the Head of State, comprised representatives of sector ministries.