Minority Demands Probe into Contaminated Rice Scandal Endangering SHS Students
The NDC Minority Caucus in Parliament has called on President Akufo-Addo to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the alleged distribution of contaminated rice to selected Senior High Schools (SHS) since February 2023.
Speaking at a press conference at Parliament House on Monday, the Minority revealed that 22,000 bags (50kg each) of expired and contaminated Moshosho rice, imported from India, were re-packaged by the National Food Buffer Stock Company and Lamens Africa Investments Ltd. The rice was reportedly distributed to SHS students, compromising their health.
The NDC caucus stressed the urgency of the situation, stating: “President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia cannot remain silent on this grave matter, which jeopardizes the health of millions of Ghanaian students. The nation is looking up to them to offer leadership, punish culprits—largely their appointees—and implement reforms to ensure the safety of our children.”
Demands by the Minority
Immediate Arrests and Prosecution: The Minority demanded the arrest and prosecution of the directors of Lamens Africa Investments Ltd, holding them accountable for their role in the scandal.
Sanctions on NAFCO Leadership: They called for the dismissal and sanctioning of the board and management of the National Food Buffer Stock Company for operating unregistered storage facilities and facilitating the re-bagging of expired rice.
Probe into the Ministry of Education: The Ministry of Education was accused of exerting undue pressure on the FDA to halt investigations and of complicity in supervising the distribution of the unwholesome rice.
Policy Changes: The Minority urged stakeholders, including the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), teacher unions, and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), to ensure that no SHS should accept criminally re-packaged food items without proper labeling and expiry dates.
The caucus also announced that they would initiate inquiries into the matter through the respective parliamentary committees, pledging to fight until justice is served.
They concluded, stating: “Such recklessness, which sacrifices the health of our students for corrupt transactions, must not go unpunished. We shall not rest until justice is done in this matter.”
This scandal has ignited public outcry, with many demanding immediate government interventions to safeguard students’ welfare and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Presenting the background on how the entire episode started, Hon.Ablakwa revealed that on December 20, 2023, the FDA’s Ashanti Regional Office acted on a report of unauthorized re-packaging of Moshosho rice at a National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) storage facility. The investigation revealed the following key issues:
Expired Rice Re-packaging
Lamens Investments Africa Ltd and NAFCO repackaged 50kg bags of Moshosho rice, whose original expiry date was December 2023, into unmarked bags labeled “ECOWAS Regional Food Security Reserve.”
False Labelling
The re-packaged rice falsely stated its origin as Ghana instead of India, violating labelling regulations (LI 1541).
Lack of FDA Approval: The re-packaging and extension of shelf life were conducted without FDA authorization, contrary to the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).
Unhygienic Practices
FDA tests confirmed the presence of insects and high-fat acidity in the rice, posing significant health risks such as digestive issues, inflammation, and potential long-term effects like liver damage.
Distribution to Schools
Despite FDA recommendations to destroy the rice, political pressure led to its distribution to Senior High Schools before test results confirmed its contamination.
Key Players
Lamens Investments, single-sourced by NAFCO, according to Mr.Ablakwa has a history of distributing unwholesome food to schools, as noted in a 2021 Auditor-General’s report.
NAFCO’s CEO and Board Chair, linked to the NPP, facilitated the re-packaging at an unlicensed storage facility.
Concerns Raised
Lack of accountability from NAFCO and government agencies.
The Ministry of Education initially denied knowledge but later defended Lamens.
Political interference undermined FDA’s recommendations, risking students’ health.
This scandal highlights critical lapses in food safety protocols and accountability in Ghana’s food supply chain. Calls for independent investigations and sanctions remain unaddressed.
