Accra, Ghana - In an initiative to bolster food safety in urban Accra, over 100 street food vendors from 29 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies have received specialized training. The Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness at the University of Ghana conducted a two-day program as part of the UrbanSafe Project.
The training was designed to equip vendors with essential skills to ensure the hygienic preparation and handling of street food, a staple in the diet of city dwellers. Dr. Abigail Adaku, leading a research team under the auspices of the OR Tambo Africa Research Chair Initiative (ORTARChI) in Food Science and Technology, pioneered this program.
This educational outreach aligns with Dr. Adaku's research titled 'Innovative Solutions to Urban Street Food Safety Challenges.' The program emphasized practical methods for maintaining food safety standards, aiming to reduce foodborne illnesses and enhance public health.
The University's proactive approach underscores its commitment to community engagement and addresses a significant public health concern. Street vendors, often the backbone of the local economy, are now better equipped to manage their businesses safely and sustainably, thanks to the insights and knowledge gained from this project.
The UrbanSafe Project's success represents an important step toward improving the overall food safety culture in Ghana's capital, potentially serving as a model for other regions.