Caterers engaged under the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) have been told to maintain best hygienic practices in the preparation of meals for the school kids.

"They should cook the food under strict hygienic conditions and ensure that meals served to the children are wholesome," he said.

Mr. Isaac Obeng Aboagye, the Asante-Akim South District Coordinator of the GSFP, made the call at a day’s health training workshop held for stakeholders of the programme at Juaso.

In attendance were caterers, cooks, head teachers, assembly members and representatives of parent-teacher associations (PTAs) and school management committees (SMCs).

He urged the school heads to closely monitor every step of the preparation of the food and to insist that it was not served on the floor.

Mr. Obeng said the health of the pupils must be a priority and reminded parents not to send their children to school on empty stomachs because of the meal they would be served in school.

Mr. De-graft Forkuo, the District Chief Executive (DCE) called for collaboration between the heads and caterers for the smooth operation of the feeding programme.

He directed the heads to present a report on the programme to the district office every fortnight to ensure effective monitoring.

The caterers made a plea for an upward adjustment of the per child feeding fee from 50 pesewas to one Cedi.