The Ministry of Education has denied accusations by Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, that it played a role in distributing expired rice to senior high schools (SHSs) across the country.
The controversy revolves around 22,000 bags of rice imported by Lamens Investments Africa Ltd in 2022, which Mr. Ablakwa alleges were expired, repackaged, and supplied to schools in February 2024. He contends that the Ministry either approved or turned a blind eye to the distribution despite being alerted in January 2024.
In response, the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kwasi Kwarteng, clarified that the rice had been certified as safe by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) after its shelf life was extended to April 30, 2024, following tests in India. He also emphasized that food distribution falls under the National Food Buffer Stock Company and the Ghana Commodity Exchange, not the Ministry itself.
Mr. Kwarteng added that investigations had commenced to address the concerns, acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations.
Background
The issue came to light when Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that some SHS in Greater Accra received rice he claimed was expired and rebranded with labels such as “ECOWAS” and “Made in Ghana rice.” He warned of potential health risks to students and accused the Ministry of bowing to political pressure to distribute the rice.
The Ministry insists that the rice met safety standards and views the concerns raised as an opportunity to refine its processes. Meanwhile, Mr. Ablakwa continues to call for an independent investigation, rejecting the FDA’s certification and questioning the Ministry’s transparency.
The allegations have sparked discussions about accountability and food safety in the supply chain for school feeding programs.
