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Fresh details have emerged regarding the allegations made by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, about the distribution of 22,000 bags of allegedly expired and repackaged rice to Senior High Schools (SHSs).
The NDC lawmaker had accused the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and Lamens Investments Africa Limited of distributing rice that had expired in December 2023.
He further claimed that the rice was repackaged in local sacks labeled “ECOWAS” and “Made in Ghana rice,” without proper expiry dates.
In response, the Ministry of Education clarified on November 14, 2024, that the rice in question had been certified as safe for consumption by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
The Ministry explained that Lamens Ventures, which was contracted by NAFCO, had imported the rice with an initial expiry date of December 2023. However, by the end of the year, some of the rice had not been distributed to schools.
Following the advice of the FDA, Lamens Ventures re-tested the rice in India, its country of origin, to assess its usability. After the tests, the FDA confirmed that the rice was still safe for consumption and granted an extension of its “Best Before” date to April 30, 2024.
Kwasi Kwarteng, a spokesperson for the Ministry, emphasized that all rice distributed to schools in February 2024 had been certified as wholesome by the FDA. Additionally, Lamens Ventures sought and received FDA approval to re-bag the remaining rice with updated labels reflecting the new expiry date.
The FDA has reiterated that the rice met all safety standards and posed no health risks. Despite this, Mr. Ablakwa maintains that the rice was expired and unfit for students, rejecting the FDA’s findings.
In light of the concerns, the Ministry has launched an investigation to ensure transparency and address public concerns over the matter.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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