EduWatch raises concern over free drinks to public school students

Citing the 2020 Budget Statement, the Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare has raised concerns over the government’s move to pilot the distribution of cocoa drinks to students in public primary schools and kindergartens.

“The government shall pilot the National Cocoa Drinks project in public primary schools and kindergartens to benefit 1 million pupils. (2020 Budget Statement). It’s over 4 years now. Are the children enjoying the cocoa?” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education (MoE) April 19, 2022, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Niche Confectionery Ghana Limited to distribute chocolate drinks to students in some selected public basic schools.

In a social post sighted by Thisterm.com, the Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum said the move forms part of his outfit’s effort to prioritise the nutrition of students in various government primary schools across the country.

“I was happy to sign an MOU between Niche Confectionery Ghana Limited and the Ministry of Education today, 19th April 2022. The nutrition of every child in school remains one of our priorities at the Ministry of Education,” he stated.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the Education Minister said will allow Niche Confectionery Ghana Limited, to distribute chocolate drinks to primary school pupils in selected public schools across the country.

“This partnership will help make President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s vision of ensuring that every child has access to a cocoa beverage a reality,” the Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe Constituency said in the post.