The Ministry of Education (MoE) has launched an investigation into allegations made by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa that approximately 22,000 bags of expired rice were repackaged and distributed to Senior High Schools (SHSs) nationwide.
Ablakwa, in his claims made on Wednesday, November 13, alleged that the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) collaborated with Lamens Investments Africa Limited to distribute the expired rice.
He stated that the rice, imported from India and expired in December 2023, was repackaged at the Buffer Stock’s storage facility in Kumasi, Ashanti Region. The repackaged rice was reportedly placed in locally made sacks labeled “ECOWAS” and “Made in Ghana rice,” but without an expiry date.
In response, the MoE, in a statement issued on Thursday, expressed gratitude to Ablakwa for bringing the issue to its attention. The Ministry assured the public that the allegations were being taken seriously and that a full investigation had been initiated.
The MoE further stated that it had engaged NAFCO and the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX), the agencies responsible for the supply and distribution of food to SHSs, to jointly conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
The Ministry reassured students, parents, guardians, and the public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of students under its care.
“Rest assured, we will pursue this matter to the end, and provide updates to the public as our investigation progresses,” it added.
