The Ministry of Education (MoE) has initiated an investigation into claims that approximately 22,000 bags of expired rice were repackaged and distributed to Senior High Schools (SHS) nationwide.
The allegations were made by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a Member of Parliament, on Wednesday, November 13. Ablakwa accused the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) of collaborating with Lamens Investments Africa Limited to supply the expired rice to schools across the country.
According to Ablakwa, the Buffer Stock’s storage facility in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, was used to repackage expired rice imported from India.
He claims the rice, which expired in December 2023, was placed in locally produced sacks labelled “ECOWAS” and “Made in Ghana rice,” but with no expiry date.
The MoE, in a statement issued on Thursday, thanked Ablakwa for bringing the issue to its notice, adding that “We take these allegations seriously and, as a matter of urgency, have commenced a full investigation.”
The Ministry said it had engaged the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX), the entities responsible for the supply and distribution of food to senior high schools.
“Together, we have launched a thorough investigation into the issues raised by Hon. Ablakwa,” it added.
The Ministry assured students, parents, guardians, and the public of its commitment to protecting the health and safety of every student under our care.
“Rest assured, we will pursue this matter to the end, and provide updates to the public as our investigation progresses,” it added.
