Editorial
Cultivate habit of farming to supplement school feeding
There is no doubt that the recent holidays that Ghanaians enjoyed because of the Eid ul Fitr festival provided them with a welcome opportunity to relax as the weekend ended to Tuesday.
Despite that, some were extremely happy because for many parents whose wards attend private schools, it was a welcome break from having to pay the school feeding fee for at least two days.
This was the basis for some parents’ praise of the extra holiday that was added to the Eid ul Fitr celebrations in addition to the weekend.
Our reporter’s interviews showed that many parents, particularly those with two or three children, now find it extremely difficult to pay the school feeding fee despite their desire to let their children be in private schools.
Such parents with lower incomes have embraced holidays because according to the Head of a school some parents always approach school officials when a holiday is approaching, knowing that there will be a day without the dreaded meal cost.
Although most schools do not require children to buy school food at all cost and allow them to bring food from home, it has become common for these children to refuse to eat food prepared by parents.
Although it appears that parents are satisfied with the services provided to their children, they continue to complain about the high cost, which they believe is excessive and relate it to the high price of food.
According to the Spectator’s checks with certain parents and schools children are charged between GH¢15 and GH¢20 each day for the food that is supplied to them.
In addition to school tuition, books, food, and snacks, a mother of three finds it outrageous to spend GH¢60 a day for a feeding cost, which adds up to GH¢300 a week.
It was obvious that she was really satisfied about the recent holidays as she saved a total of GH¢120 Ghana.
A caterer told The Spectator that, aside from the difficulty they face in creating a budget that works for schools, they cannot be held responsible for the rise in the cost of the meals served to schoolchildren because of the high cost of food items on the market.
To ease their burden, The Spectator is urging schools to grant parents with two children or more a discount. Single parents have even expressed that it is difficult to pay Gh¢150 every week.
Additionally, schools should cultivate some area for farming activities in order to support the feeding of schoolchildren. Then, they can use the produce to complement the children’s meals.
Getting the children involved will help them develop the agricultural habit so they may carry that enthusiasm into their future endeavours.
Purchasing food in bulk is one strategy that caterers might use to lower the feeding charge in addition to cultivating a habit of farming to supplement school feeding.
Dear Editor,
The performance of the Black Stars of Ghana has plunged the entire nation into a joyful mood.
Very few people gave the team any chance at the World Cup but with the little they have shown, Ghanaians have shown massive support.
All the two matches they have played with England and Panama have been characterized by unending joy after the games.
Apart from the team’s performance, the theme song by Ghana’s ace musician, Kofi Kinata have taken the celebration to a new dimension.
The song resonates through every corner both match and non-match days. And when they are played through the large speakers, it gets both young and old dancing their hearts out.
This is a mood I wish Ghanaians would sustain for a long time to keep the unity and friendship among us. Within this period, politics have been relegated to the background and football dominating the discussion. This is what football can do, let’s keep it growing. For the Black Stars, we say ‘Ayekoo.’
Mawuli Quaye,
Accra
Dear Editor,
I have, over time, observed the growing practice of drying washed clothes on the pavements of some principal streets in Accra, as well as on the grassy medians of major roads.
This practice is often carried out by individuals who have made these public spaces their place of abode.
As a country that seeks to maintain a clean, orderly, and beautiful environment, I believe it is time for the government, through the relevant local authorities, to address this issue.
The use of pavements and road medians for drying clothes undermines efforts to promote cleanliness and urban beautification.
Furthermore, this situation could negatively affect Ghana’s tourism industry. Tourists who visit our country do not only come to see historical landmarks and tourist attractions; they also pay attention to the cleanliness, organization, and general appearance of our streets and public spaces.
The sight of clothes hanging on pavements and road medians creates an impression that is inconsistent with the image of a modern and welcoming city.
Equally disturbing is the practice of bathing children on road medians and street pavements. Apart from raising concerns about public hygiene and safety, such activities diminish the dignity and proper use of these public spaces.
As a concerned citizen, I believe that if we are truly committed to keeping our cities clean, attractive, and conducive to tourism and investment, then we must take decisive action.
Local authorities should enforce existing bylaws and regulations governing the use of public spaces and implement measures to prevent such practices.
By doing so, we can preserve the beauty of our cities and project a positive image of Ghana to both residents and visitors alike.
Kojo K,
Madina
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