Ghana’s opposition lawmakers have called for the arrest and prosecution of directors at Lamens Investment Africa Limited and the sanctioning of officials at the National Food Buffer Stock Company over allegations of distributing expired rice to senior high schools.

The controversy arose after North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa claimed that 22,000 bags of expired and repackaged rice were sent to schools, describing it as a coordinated effort between the two entities.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Mr Ablakwa, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority in Parliament, said the act showed a “reckless disregard” for the health of students.

“The directors of Lamens Investments Africa Limited must be arrested and prosecuted immediately,” he said. “The board and management of the National Food Buffer Stock Company should also be sanctioned for allowing this heinous act and for operating unregistered storage facilities across the country.”

This is not the first time Lamens Investment has come under scrutiny. The Auditor-General’s report in 2021 accused the company of supplying unwholesome food items to schools, but no government action followed.

Health Concerns

The Minority also raised alarm over potential health risks for students who consumed the rice, which they described as “insect-infested, highly acidic, and contaminated.” They have called for mass health screenings for affected students.

“Doctors have warned about the medium to long-term health implications of this contaminated rice,” Mr Ablakwa said, urging the Ministry of Education to facilitate the screening process.

The scandal has sparked public outrage, with critics demanding accountability from both the private supplier and the state agency responsible for overseeing school food supplies.

Source:TheDotNews