Covid-19 Series : Daily Hot Meals Distribution By Government

Some Ghanaians are saying the food distribution during this Covid-19 by government should have been given to beneficiaries in a raw state for them to go and cook it themselves. Others are asking if Ghanaians don't have cooking utensils? How does a mad man or woman or beggar on the street have cooking utensils if I may ask? Honourable Ghanaians and their plenty talking. Well, this is what I think ; If the government shared uncooked food, Ghanaians will still talk. The issue is not whether the food is cooked or not, it's about reach, quantity and quality being served without honourable 'corruption' woven in it. Ghs2 million a day for food allocation just for 2 regions is no joke. Ghs2 million for 2 regions so Ghs14 million for  the remaining 14 regions a day. This brings it to a total of Ghs16 million a day to serve hot meals in a day to 16 regions in Ghana if all regions should experience lockdown. Multiply this by 90 days which is 3 months provision as the government is making for most essential subject in this country.

I am more concerned about transparency and accountability as these monies are being expended. Government must ensure that the needs of people are met in terms of the quantity needed, the quality and the accountability of those spearheading this daily food distribution project. By all means you will have people taking advantage of this privilege to be corrupt. Corn grows within 3 months, government can invest some in maize production for farmers to distribute to the needy. Many food items grows within 3 months like, tomatoes, pepper etc so government can look at this areas to supplement the food supply at the same time boost local consumption and agriculture. I have said that government can take advantage of covid-19 pandemic to boost it's economy, agriculture, technology and health is one area the government can tap into. Every problem is an advantage for a breakthrough solution.

Another area I am concerned about is the criteria used to identify those who are less privileged. How does the government identify them? Food is something everybody needs so until someone is rejecting it, I think we need to look at what privilege or less privilege means. Someone may be going through some hardship now and needs food during this pandemic, the person may not necessarily be privileged or under privileged so does he qualify or not? What the government must do is to make it open to everybody if it even calls for truly increasing the budget. Human lives are more important than the economy or money.

I also heard the quality of food is bad and the quantity allocation too small. I haven't seen it though but that is the word out there and that there is no proportional distribution. Certainly a family of 10 must have more food than a family of 5. These are some of the areas I believe government should look at. In principle the idea is good but we need to execute the action plan with less flaws and complains of dissatisfaction by beneficiaries. If you want to feed the people, feed them well and if you want to leave them to die, leave them to their fate. Don't feed them hapazardly and allow them to complain bitterly.

MPs and Assembly men have also being reported to use this ticket of food distribution to do politics. This is not the time to go visiting the less privilege with food, putting on party T shirts and branded pick up trucks in party colours. We should desist from such acts as a couple of people have also expressed their concern about this trend. Sitting MPs or incumbent should not use this as an opportunity to riducle those in opposition by going about the food distribution in a campaign style. This is uncalled for and deep thinking Ghanaians will realise that you are doing this for the votes and not your care and love for them.

I also urge the rich in soceity to help those who are under privileged in everyway possible in these difficult moments. This is the time to show brotherly love and affection to humanity in these times. If you have more give to those who don't have but not to advertise yourself with pictures and selfies and show it to people on social media. God is not pleased with such act. Religion teaches us to give in humility not in self-aggrandizement.

My take. Thank you for reading, God bless you.