The Chief of Staff, Frema Osei Opare, has dismissed claims of expired and repackaged rice being supplied to Senior High Schools as false and politically motivated.
She described the allegations as “untrue and propaganda” during an interview on the sidelines of the National Education Book launch on Monday, November 18. “You know it is not true, so let us focus on things that move this country forward. Propaganda and rumour-mongering have no place in education,” she told JoyNews’ Prince Kudogah.
Background on the allegations
The controversy stems from claims by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who alleged that 22,000 bags of expired rice were distributed to schools through the Free Senior High School Secretariat earlier this year.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, his investigation revealed that the rice, allegedly repackaged and stored in unregistered facilities of the National Food Buffer Stock Company, was deliberately distributed despite being unfit for consumption. He called for the prosecution of Lamens Investments Africa Limited, the company accused of being behind the distribution.
FDA and Ministry of Education respond
In a rebuttal, the Ministry of Education’s Public Relations Officer, Kwasi Kwarteng, clarified that the rice in question was declared “wholesome” by the FDA. He noted that Lamens Investments was fined not for distributing expired rice but for failing to secure FDA approval before repackaging the product.
“For the record, Lamens was fined for not obtaining authorisation for the repackaging of the food. It has nothing to do with the wholesomeness of the food,” Mr. Kwarteng explained.
He added that the rice’s “best before” date was December 2023. While the importers sought an extension of the expiry date, they commenced repackaging without FDA approval, resulting in regulatory sanctions.
Calls for further investigation
Despite assurances from the Ministry, calls for a thorough investigation into the matter persist, with stakeholders demanding accountability from all parties involved to safeguard the health of students.
