Dr. Clement Apaak, Member of Parliament (MP) for Builsa South has issued a stern warning against any interference with trucks delivering rice and other supplies to address the ongoing food shortages in Senior High Schools.
The lawmaker who is in charge of food distribution to schools in an interview with the media disclosed that President John Mahama’s directive has led to a coordinated food distribution initiative.
According to him, the move is aimed at supplying food to all public secondary schools and TVET institutions nationwide.
“We are dealing with all the secondary schools, about 900 or more schools, including TVET institutions. We are starting with Greater Accra this evening, and as the days go by, we will extend to all regions and schools”, he explained.
Dr. Clement Apaak further explained that a high-level team is overseeing the food distribution process, comprising the Chief of Staff, Parliament, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ghana Education Service, with security personnel playing a vital role in ensuring the smooth execution of the process.
“The Flagstaff House is coordinating this assignment. Military trucks are being used to move the food, supported by trucks from the Ghana Police Service and private volunteers who have offered their trucks free of charge,” he highlighted.
Addressing potential disruptions, Dr. Clement Apaak issued a stern warning: “Let no one attack any truck or think that these food items are being smuggled.”
He added,” There will be security escorts accompanying the rice from Tema warehouses to the various destinations. Should anybody try to interfere, the law will deal with them.”
The food distribution exercise is taking place at a critical time, as concerns grow about the effects of food shortages on Senior High School students nationwide. The MP emphasized the urgency of the initiative and assured the public that robust security measures are in place.
“This is a directive from the President, and we are taking security very seriously. Nobody should try to interfere with this process,” he remarked.
He further emphasized the importance of full cooperation from all stakeholders and assured the public that he will be providing regular updates as the operation moves forward.
“This is a collective effort to address a critical issue, and we will ensure the food reaches its intended destinations without delay or interruption.”he stated.