By Prince Dankwa
The abundance of food vendors and eateries on Accra Dome’s colourful roads naturally draws attention. Some vendors are serving worldwide cuisine, while others are cooking local favourites like jollof rice, waakye, and kelewele.
The aroma of freshly baked bread, fried plantains, and grilled meat fills the air. But among the sound of pots and pans clattering and spices filling the air, one urgent question needs to be addressed: How safe is the food being served here?
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has not granted all food vendors at Accra Dome the required authorisation, according to a recent survey. While a few well-known eateries gladly show off their FDA certifications, a large number of street vendors do business without this vital approval.
Vendor Cecilia Kanta, who sells kenkey with fried fish, said that she has been here for years without ever experiencing any problems. My clients have faith in me.” But this unofficial guarantee doesn’t exactly allay the worries of medical professionals, who stress how crucial FDA supervision is to guaranteeing food safety.
We chatted with a number of Accra Dome residents to get a sense of popular awareness. Perfect, a frequent customer, expressed her feelings, saying, “I visit here nearly every day. Although the food tastes great, to be honest, I never give FDA approval any thought. I simply follow my instinct.”
Richard Adegbe, a different customer, voiced his concerns, saying, “I’ve heard stories about food poisoning and other issues.” Although taste and convenience frequently win me over, it makes me a little worried.”
Experts claim: “When food is not prepared under regulated conditions, there’s a higher chance of contamination. This can lead to foodborne illnesses, which can be severe, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.”