Master of Public Administration (MPA), Bowling Green State University, 2018, Public Administration

This research utilized the qualitative research design to explore the perceptions of people about the Ghana School Feeding Program(SFP) and its impacts on school enrollment, attendance, retention and academic performance of primary schoolchildren. The research also explores some of the challenges encountered in the implementation of the SFP in Ghana. The key questions that the research sought to address include; What are the impacts of the SFP on school enrollment, attendance and completion?, What are the impacts of the SFP on the academic performances of primary schoolchildren? and What are the challenges involved in the implementation of the SFP? In addressing these questions, the researcher utilized the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to explore the relationship between hunger and educational outcomes. Twelve participants were selected from six selected schools in the Accra Central District of the Greater Accra Region, Ghana to participate in the research. Participants for the research were selected through the purposive type of sampling and they included parents, teachers, administrators and caterers. Data was collected through a semi- structured phone interview. The findings of the study revealed the perceptions teachers, caterers, parents and school administrators have about the SFP and its impact on enrollment, attendance, completion and the academic performances of primary schoolchildren. Overall, the research participants perceive the SFP to improve educational and academic outcomes of primary schoolchildren. The research also found other issues such as improvement in cognitive development and the reduction of hunger associated with the SFP. Furthermore, the research found some major challenges of the SFP in the implementation of the SFP. These include, the lack of financial resources, the delay of funds to support the implementation of the SFP and poor nutrition mainly associated with improper menu planning and the frequent absence of vege (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Stefan Fritsch (Advisor); Philip John Welch (Committee Member); Shannon Orr (Committee Member) Subjects: Political Science; Public Administration; Public Health; Public Policy; School Administration