Education Ministry investigates Ablakwa’s expired rice allegations to SHSs

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has launched an investigation into allegations that approximately 22,000 bags of expired rice were repackaged and supplied to Senior High Schools nationwide.

The claims were made by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on Wednesday, November 13. He alleged that the National Food Buffer Stock Company collaborated with a company called Lamens Investments Africa Limited to distribute the expired rice.

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.