The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has released £500,000 to the Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to help improve the quality of basic school meals in drought-affected areas in Ghana.

The funding support is part of the UK government's support towards the ongoing policy reform and strengthening the viability of Ghana's food fortification industry.

Over 55,348 vulnerable pupils in 59 basic schools across the North and transition zones of the country benefited from the program, with a special focus on drought-affected areas.

Many parts of Northern Ghana were plunged into more than two months of drought, leading to the destruction of thousands of farmlands in the area.

The government said nearly 1 million farmers were affected and that the long dry spell could plunge the country into food shortages.

The WFP welcomed the intervention of the British government, noting that it is essential in addressing inequality and will also provide a social safety net for the most vulnerable people in underserved communities.

“School meals are an incentive for children to stay in school, support better academic performance, and pave the way for brighter futures, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty,” WFP Deputy Country Director in Ghana, Anna Mukiibi-Bunnya told the media.

This funding also empowers market development initiatives, spurring vital investments in the demand and supply of fortified local rice in Ghana —strengthening both the health of children and Ghana’s economic growth.

“The UK is committed to supporting global efforts to achieve sustainable food security and improve nutrition worldwide,” Lord Collins of Highbury, UK Minister for Africa said.

“This announcement demonstrates the UK’s ongoing dedication to working with Ghana to tackle the challenges we face from climate change and build a healthier, more food-secure future for all,” he added.

In Ghana, WFP programmes help highly vulnerable people to access lifesaving food and nutrition through cash transfers. 

The UK remains one of the most reliable WFP partners in Ghana and beyond, helping support crisis-affected families to fight hunger, improve nutrition and rebuild their lives.