Cape Coast April 27 GNA- The Central Regional Minister, Mr Isaac Edumadze on Wednesday, urged school authorities especially matrons and domestic bursars to provide quality food to students to boost their health for academic work.

He said there was a correlation between food quality and educational pursuit, adding that food provided in the right quality and proportion quality, enhances the development of the mind and overall development of students.

Mr Edumadze who made the observation in a speech read on his behalf at the opening of a two-day training workshop for 170 domestic bursars and matrons in second cycle institutions in the Southern Zone in Cape Coast, said in a bid to 'get rich quick', some matrons either over-invoiced or under invoiced their purchases.

He alleged that some of them even bought rotten food items at relatively cheap prices to make profit and compromising the health of students.

The workshop, which is being organized by the National Association of Domestic Bursars and Matrons, is on the theme: "Effective catering in educational institutions".

Matrons and domestic bursars from the Central, Western, Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta regions are attending the workshop. Mr Edumadze said some student riots were inspired by the poor quality of food being provided to them.

Mrs Justina Torjagbo, Regional Director of Education expressed concern about the inadequate supply of balance diet to students and urged the Government to subsidize feeding in the schools. She said there was the need for adolescent students to be provided with sufficient protein to ensure their rapid growth. Mrs Torjagbo cautioned the matrons against the unhygienic conditions in some school kitchens and dining halls.

She said people employed to serve in the halls should undergo periodic tests to ensure that they do not carry communicable diseases. Mrs Veronica Jackson, National Coordinator of Catering In Schools, called on the participants to make use of local food items and refrain from drawing up unrealistic menus.

Mr Cosby Eshun, Headmaster of Mfantsipim Secondary School who chaired the function asked the participants not to take advantage of the increase in the price of foodstuffs to divert the items. The participants are deliberating on topical issues like, food safety and hygienic practices, principles of storekeeping, good warehouse keeping, human relations and menu planning.