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22,000 bags of contaminated rice distributed to Senior High Schools nationwide - Ablakwa alleges
Accra, Ghana - Nov 14, 2024 - A shocking revelation has emerged from Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, regarding the distribution of 22,000 bags of expired and repackaged rice to Senior High Schools across Ghana.
This alleged scandal involves the National Food Buffer Stock Company and Lamens Investments Africa Limited, accused of conspiring to repackage expired rice from India, originally branded as "Moshosho rice" and expired in December 2023.
The Scheme
In an interview with Joy News on Thursday Nov 14, 2024, , Ablakwa alleged that the expired rice was repackaged into locally made sacks with labels reading "ECOWAS" and "Made in Ghana rice" but without expiry dates.
“The National Food Buffer Stock Company clearly conspired with a company known as Lamens Investments Africa Limited. They used the Buffer Stock storage facility in Kumasi, in the Ashanti region, to repackage expired rice. This company brought in rice from India, the brand ‘Moshosho rice,’ which expired in December 2023. Upon realising the rice had expired, they conspired with the Buffer Stock company to use their premises for re-bagging,'' he stated.
He also claimed that the Ashanti Regional Police Command and Food and Drugs Authority intercepted the rice but released it for distribution before receiving test results from the FDA in Accra.
“Can you believe that, before the test results arrived from the FDA in Accra on 6th February, an instruction came from above that the expired, contaminated rice should be distributed to the schools? So, as we speak, all 22,000 bags of rice that the police sought to confiscate have been sent to the schools.''
Investigation and Aftermath
He further alleged that an investigation was launched, but it was allegedly abandoned after the company agreed to pay a fine of GH₵100,000. However, only half of the fine has been paid, and the company cannot be located to pay the remaining amount.
Ablakwa demands prosecution, emphasizing the company's admission of wrongdoing and the risk posed to thousands of Ghanaian students.
“There ought to be prosecution. The company has admitted to their wrongdoing and agreed to pay a fine of GH₵100,000 after jeopardising the health of thousands of Ghanaian students. Even the fine – they have only paid half of it, and they can’t be located to pay the remainder,” he added.
Source: Florence Kyei / Lead News Online
