Endeavour to prevent contamination of food in schools - Nsowah

Accra, Sept. 10 GNA - Mr Michael Nsowah, Acting Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) on Friday called on domestic bursars and matrons in educational institutions to take adequate measures to prevent contamination of food prepared in schools.

He said food vendors and hawkers in particular, play a key role in schools and should therefore, be screened and certified periodically in addition to being educated on food hygiene.

Mr Nsowah made the call in an address read on his behalf at the inaugural ceremony of the National Association of Domestic Bursars and Matrons (NADBAM) under the theme: "Enhancing effective catering services in our educational institutions" in Accra.

The Association, which has been in existence for sometime was only recognised at the regional level.

Mr Nsowah said provision of safe and balanced diet with adequate nutrients was important to the proper growth and development of school children.

He called for the provision of supplementary feeding in schools as well as the establishment of school gardens to improve food production and availability.

The Acting Director-General said the Ghana Health Service would give technical support and health services to schools, because many children enter school with ailments that affect learning.

Mrs Vida Drapson, Greater Accra Regional Director of Education in a speech read for her, commended members of the association for their contribution to effective teaching and learning in schools.

She asked members of the association to supervise their workers with "eagle eyes" in order not to divert food for the children. Mrs Drapson urged the domestic bursars and matrons to purchase their items in bulk, especially those that were in abundance during particular seasons, but not vegetables and perishable items. She asked the association to organise seminars, workshops and other interactions for their members periodically to find solutions to challenges facing them.

Mrs Josephine Van Ess, National President and a twelve member National Executive Committee of the association were sworn into office.