AMA To Arrest Unhygienic Food Vendors

Dr Nii Ayite Coleman, the newly appointed Director of the Metropolitan Public Health Department of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), has ordered the arrest and prosecution of vendors, who expose or display their food or wares on the bare ground.

He said: "You can't be sure of the safety of food and wares they are selling to the unsuspecting public."

Dr Coleman, a public health consultant, was addressing 150 Environmental Health Officers from the metropolis at the VAG Hall in Accra on Wednesday to officially introduce himself to them.

He noted that improving upon the low image and credibility of the Town Councils would demand strategic, logistic and financial support as well as training of health personnel.

Dr Coleman said he would assist vendors to update their knowledge on the work, especially through computer training."

He said: "Whilst I agree with you that the work is difficult, I would ensure that I motivate you as well as instilling some discipline into you to ensure that your presence is felt."

Dr Coleman said stringent measures would be put in place to ensure that food sellers observe basic environmental hygiene as well as going through medical examination before operating.