Mahama Defends Plan to End Food Supply to SHSs Amid Expired Rice Scandal
Mahama calls for a review of Free SHS policy in response to rice debacle
- Mahama justifies canceling food supply to SHSs amid expired rice scandal
- Allegations involve the National Food Buffer Stock distributing 22,000 bags of expired rice
- Mahama proposes giving schools direct funds to manage their own food purchases
John Mahama, the presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has defended his proposal to halt the supply of food items to Senior High Schools (SHSs) through the National Food Buffer Stock Company, part of his broader plan to review the Free SHS policy.
He cited the recent controversy involving the alleged distribution of 22,000 bags of expired and repackaged rice to SHSs across the country.
The claim, made by North Tongu Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, alleges that the National Food Buffer Stock Company collaborated with Lamens Investments Africa Limited in the distribution of the questionable rice earlier this year.
While campaigning in Asawinso as part of his Western North region tour on Friday, Mahama emphasized the need for decentralizing food supply to SHSs.
He argued, “The money for food will be given directly to the schools, and they will handle food purchases themselves. This comes after reports of expired rice being sent to our children, and it’s clear why we need to change how the system works.”
