Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament  for North Tongu, has alleged that 22,000 bags of expired rice were repackaged and distributed to Senior High Schools (SHSs) across the country earlier this year.

According to Mr Ablakwa, the rice—initially imported from India under the brand name “Moshosho”—expired in December 2022. He claimed the National Food Buffer Stock Company and a private firm, Lamens Investments Africa Limited, conspired to repackage the expired rice at a storage facility in Kumasi before distributing it through the Free Senior High School Secretariat in February.

“The rice was repackaged into local sacks marked ‘ECOWAS’ and ‘Made in Ghana rice,’ but without an expiry date,” Mr Ablakwa said. He suggested that despite contamination, the rice was knowingly sent to schools following instructions from “above” before the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) completed safety testing.

The alleged distribution came after an initial interception by the Ashanti Regional Police and FDA, who began investigations when tipped off. However, Mr Ablakwa claimed that instructions to release the rice for distribution came before FDA results confirming contamination reached authorities in Accra on 6 February.

Following the revelations, Lamens Investments reportedly admitted fault and agreed to pay a GH₵100,000 (around $8,500) fine. However, Mr Ablakwa claims that only half of the fine has been paid and that the company has since become untraceable.

“The rice was found to have insects and a high acidity level. Medical experts have said it was unfit for consumption and should have been destroyed,” he said, urging a full investigation and prosecution of those responsible.

Source:TheDotNews