The contribution of the informal food vendors cannot be underestimated as it forms about 80% of the vendors in the country. In view of that, a nationwide sensitisation programme spearheaded by Kumasi Technical University was organised for food handlers in the various regions of Ghana involving the chop bar operators, drinking bars, traditional fast food operators and snack bars.
The programme was organised under the auspices of Ghana Tourism Authority and sponsored by Tourism Development Fund, Consolidated Bank Ghana, Agricultural Development Bank and Universal Merchant Bank. Among the few dignitaries who were at the forefront of the programme included Dr Patricia Owusu- Darko, a Senior Lecturer from Kumasi Technical University and Mr. Alexander Boakye of Ghana Tourism Authority.
The essence of the programme was to train the practitioners on food safety, food and beverage service, book keeping and the existing regulations that govern their operations. They were also trained on how to save money in order to build a lucrative business. It is a common knowledge that a good number of these practitioners lack the requisite knowledge in food hygiene and safety. Ghana has over the years suffered from conditions such as cholera and sometimes food poisoning, a situation that gives much credence to the nationwide sentisation. Furthermore, there is need for the practitioners to know and understand the existing legal regime so that they could comply. During the nationwide sensitisation programme, many people expressed worry about the unhygienic condition of some of the premises of the food vendors.
Dr Patricia Owusu-Darko who is a Senior Lecturer at the Kumasi Technical University enlightened the practitioners on food safety and hygiene, storage as well as food and beverages services. Mr. Alexander Boakye on his part took the practitioners through the standards that pertain to the informal sector.
The exercise which took place in the capital cities within all the ten previous regions in the country was highly patronised. The places visited were Accra, Tema, Koforidua, Cape coast, Takoradi, Kumasi, Sunyani, Tamale, Bolgatanga, Wa and Ho.
