Ministry of Education Defends Distribution of Rice to SHSs, Rejects Expiry Claims by Ablakwa

The Ministry of Education has responded to allegations made by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa regarding the distribution of 22,000 bags of allegedly expired and repackaged rice to Senior High Schools (SHSs) across Ghana.

In its response, the Ministry clarified that the rice in question had been certified as safe for consumption by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).

Ablakwa had accused the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) of conspiring with Lamens Investments Africa Limited to distribute rice that had expired in December 2023. He further alleged that the rice was repackaged into locally produced sacks bearing misleading labels such as “ECOWAS” and “Made in Ghana rice,” without an expiry date.

On Thursday, November 14, 2024, the Ministry confirmed that an investigation into the matter was underway. Kwasi Kwarteng, a spokesperson for the Ministry, explained that NAFCO had partnered with Lamens Ventures to procure the rice for distribution to schools. While the rice was initially imported with a December 2023 expiration date, a portion of it remained unsupplied by the end of the year.

Following guidance from the FDA, Lamens Ventures had the rice re-tested in India to assess whether its shelf life could be extended. After re-evaluation, the FDA confirmed that the rice remained safe for consumption and extended the “Best Before” date to April 30, 2024.

Kwarteng emphasized that the rice distributed to schools in February 2024 was certified by the FDA as wholesome and fit for consumption. He also noted that Lamens Ventures had formally requested approval from the FDA to re-bag the remaining stock with updated labeling to reflect the new expiry date, which was granted.

Despite this, Ablakwa has stood by his claim that the rice was expired and unfit for consumption, rejecting the FDA’s certification.