Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Ablakwa, has called for an independent audit to investigate the Ministry of Education’s role in the controversial re-bagging of expired Indian Moshosho rice.
Ablakwa’s call comes after the Ministry of Education’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) claimed the rice supplier had received permission from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to extend the rice’s expiry date from December 2023 to April 2024.
Ablakwa, however, expressed skepticism over these claims, sarcastically questioning whether the FDA had also authorized changes to the rice’s origin from India to Ghana and even allowed the removal of expiry dates from the re-bagged rice.
He also raised concerns about the discrepancy between the FDA’s actions and the supplier’s admission of guilt.
Lamens Limited, the supplier involved, was fined by the FDA and paid part of the GHS 50,000 fine, which Ablakwa sees as clear evidence of wrongdoing.
“I am absolutely convinced now more than ever that an independent, credible, and impartial investigation into this scandal must start from the Ministry of Education,” Ablakwa said, stressing the need for accountability.
The MP also criticized the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration for defending companies involved in questionable practices instead of prioritizing the welfare of the vulnerable children under the Ministry’s care.
“I weep for Ghana,” he added, expressing his dismay over the situation.
