By Godwill Arthur-Mensah, GNA
Accra, March 16, GNA – The Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has underscored the growing need for affordable food services within large corporate and institutional premises such as Hospitals, banks, ministries, and major private-sector establishments.
Presenting a statement on the floor of Parliament on Monday, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings noted that many workers struggled to access reasonably priced meals during working hours, a situation that affected productivity and wellbeing.
She explained that when food services were deliberately included in institutional designs and priced to be affordable, it helped reduce the pressure that forced vendors and workers into unauthorised spaces.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings therefore proposed that relevant regulatory authorities, including the Ministry of Works and Housing, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and the Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies, developed guidelines that encouraged large institutions and public facilities to include affordable cafeterias or food joints within their premises as part of planning approvals for major developments.
She emphasised that such measures would not only improve access to meals but would also enhance workplace efficiency and reduce congestion in unauthorized vending areas.
Mr. Jerry Shaib Ahmed, NPP Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, supported the call and noted that having eatery centres within ministries and corporate institutions would promote good health and productivity among workers.
Mr. Richard Acheampong, NDC Member of Parliament for Bia East, also urged Parliament to operationalise its canteen, which has been out of service for over a decade, to allow MPs easy access to decent meals within the House.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei