The Ministry of Education (MoE) has commenced an investigation into the alleged distribution of 22,000 bags of expired rice to Senior High Schools (SHSs) nationwide.
The claims were made by North Tongu MP and former Deputy Education Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on Wednesday, November 13.
He alleged that the rice expired in December 2023 and was placed in locally produced sacks labelled “ECOWAS” and “Made in Ghana rice,” but with no expiry date.
Mr. Ablakwa indicated that the National Food Buffer Stock Company collaborated with a company called Lamens Investments Africa Limited to repackage and supply the rice imported from India.
However, he appreciated the legislator for bringing the matter up.
In a statement signed by Spokesperson Kwasi Kwarteng, MoE said it takes these allegations seriously and, as a matter of urgency, has commenced a full investigation.
The Ministry added that 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.
Important Notice pic.twitter.com/5xBN8m3An0
— Kwasi Kwarteng (@KwasiKwartengF) November 14, 2024