The Ministry of Education has initiated an urgent investigation into claims by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, regarding the distribution of expired food to Senior High Schools (SHSs) across Ghana.
Ablakwa alleged that 22,000 bags of expired and repackaged rice were supplied to SHSs in February 2024. He accused the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and Lamens Investments Africa Limited of conspiring to repackage expired rice imported from India.
According to him, the rice, which had an expiry date of December 2023, was rebranded with local sacks labeled “ECOWAS” and “Made in Ghana rice,” but notably omitted any expiry date.
The MP claimed the repackaging occurred at NAFCO's storage facility in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, compromising the health and safety of students nationwide.
In a statement issued Thursday evening, Kwasi Kwarteng, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, confirmed that the allegations are being taken seriously.
He expressed gratitude to Ablakwa for drawing attention to the matter and highlighted the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring the safety of students.
“As a matter of urgency, we have commenced a full investigation. The Ministry has engaged NAFCO and the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX), the entities responsible for food supply to senior high schools, to conduct a thorough inquiry into these allegations,” Kwarteng stated.
He assured parents, students, and the public of the Ministry's commitment to safeguarding the well-being of students, promising transparency and regular updates as the investigation progresses.
This development follows ongoing concerns about food quality in schools, adding urgency to calls for improved oversight in the procurement and distribution processes.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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