Caterers call for depoliticisation of Ghana School Feeding Programme

The Eastern Regional Branch of the Association of Small Scale Industries (ASSI), has called for the de-politicisation of contracts for caterers of the School Feeding Programme, to achieve the purpose for which it was instituted.

The association made the call at a news conference in Koforidua.

Ms Esi Ahoy, Chairperson of the Traditional Caterers and Chop Bar Operators Association, said if the aim of the programme is to ensure that Ghanaian children are fed on nutritional diets then awarding of contracts should be based on knowledge and experience and not on political grounds.

She said politicisation of the programme could result in food poisoning when contracts are left in the hands of unprofessional caterers.

Mr Alfred Yaw Kissi, Regional Secretary of ASSI, observed that, though micro and small scale enterprises in the region employ 80 per cent of people and contribute about 35 per cent of the total revenue in the Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs), the sector is the least considered in the planning of activities.

He called on the MDAs to give  more attention to the expansion of the small and medium scale enterprises to create the needed employment and revenue for the assemblies to ensure development.

Mr Kissi called on the MDAs to establish industrial estates for garages, woodworkers, gold and silver smiths’ workers and other trade associations to boost their businesses.

Mr Simon Acquah, Chairman of New Juaben Municipal branch of Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association, urged parents to support their wards who are learning trades.

Source: GNA