Accra City authorities meet caterers over cholera

Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), has warned caterers of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) schools feeding programme not to compromise sanitation standards.

He also asked the teachers of the schools benefiting from the programme to be vigilant on the caterers and monitor the feeding of the children to ensure efficiency and proper hygiene.

Dr Vanderpuije gave the warning when he met with the Ghana Education Service (GES) School Feeding Implementation Committee members, head teachers and caterers in a bid to ensure cholera-free when schools re-open.

He said: “We must not take the current cholera situation for granted at all,” adding: “Be extra cautious to communicable diseases associated with food preparation and serving.”

The MCE called on the head teachers to report to the AMA any caterer, who do not show his or her presence in the school to supervise the preparation of food for pupils.

He advised the caterers not to serve food when the children are not ready to eat to avoid flies and also ensure that the pupils thoroughly wash their hands with soap under running water before eating.

“More seriously, don’t buy ingredients from unhygienic places, near gutters, dumping sites or items displayed on pavements.”

Madam Juliana Akrong, a member of the GES School Feeding Committee, advised the head teachers to warn the children not to take food from anybody, to avoid cholera.

Mrs Victoria Kumah-Mintah, Deputy National Coordinator in-charge of Monitoring and Evaluation of the School Feeding Programme appealed to the caterers to exercise patience as the Ministry of Finance has approved monies owe them for payment as soon as possible.