Togo/Education: The Government’s strategy to control the marketing of school supplies

The Togolese government, staying true to its commitment to closely monitor the commercial sector, is taking proactive steps to prevent any practices that could negatively affect the purchasing power of citizens, especially parents preparing for the upcoming school year.

With just a month left before the start of classes, the Minister of Commerce, Kayi Mivedor-Sambiani, held discussions with key importers.

This meeting was aimed at ensuring not only the availability of essential school supplies for students but also the stabilization of prices.

As the school year approaches, certain unscrupulous merchants often exploit the situation by significantly inflating their profits, citing reasons such as product scarcity or importation challenges as justifications for price hikes.

In response to these practices, the government has issued a strong call to importers and distributors to adhere strictly to the regulations governing the sale of school supplies and products in general.

Furthermore, authorities have ramped up surveillance efforts in recent days to ensure a favorable environment for parents, aligning with President Faure GNASSINGBE’s “Education for All” policy.

Additionally, importers were reminded of the urgency and importance of following government directives to include the Republic’s symbols on the covers of notebooks.

This initiative is designed to enhance the population’s, particularly the youth’s, connection to national symbols in the broader context of strengthening social cohesion, upholding the rule of law, and promoting the values of peace and unity.

Chantal TAWELESSI