Lamens Investments Africa Limited Faces Controversy Over Repackaging Expired Imported Rice And Selling To School Feeding Secretariat And Senior High Schools – Kevin Taylor Alleges

In a controversial turn of events, Lamens Investments Africa Limited, a prominent importer, has come under scrutiny for its handling of 5000 tons of rice imported from India in 2021. The rice, set to expire in December 2023, has become the center of attention due to alleged improprieties surrounding its clearance and subsequent distribution.

Lamens Investments Africa Limited faced challenges in clearing the rice from the port within the stipulated time frame. Consequently, Customs took control of the rice, relocating it to a secured warehouse while assigning the responsibility to Lamens to generate the required revenue for clearance.

However, recent revelations suggest that Lamens, led by directors David Agyefi Mensah and Simon Adjei, utilized their connections within the government. Allegedly, with the support of Education Minister Osei Adutwum, the directors, accompanied by soldiers and National Security personnel, accessed the warehouse without Customs’ approval and moved 2000 tons of rice without remitting any payments to Customs.

The controversial actions taken by Lamens Investments Africa Limited go beyond the unauthorized removal of the rice. It is reported that the company opted to repackage the nearly expired rice, distributing it to various high schools across Ghana for student consumption.

Disturbingly, current reports indicate that the rice distributed to schools is infested with maggots, posing a severe health risk to the students consuming it. The revelation has raised concerns about the ethical standards and compliance with food safety regulations in the handling and distribution of imported goods.

The alleged misuse of government connections for personal gain, coupled with the distribution of substandard food products to educational institutions, is a matter of public interest and calls for a thorough investigation. The integrity of both Lamens Investments Africa Limited and the individuals involved in the unauthorized rice removal must be scrutinized to ensure accountability and adherence to established regulatory protocols.

As stakeholders await official responses and investigations into these allegations, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparent and ethical business practices, particularly in industries that directly impact public health and safety. The unfolding story of Lamens Investments Africa Limited underscores the need for vigilant oversight and the enforcement of regulations to safeguard the well-being of consumers and maintain the integrity of the business environment.