The Ministry of Education (MoE) has launched an investigation into serious allegations that around 22,000 bags of expired rice were repackaged and distributed to Senior High Schools (SHS) across the country.
The claims were made by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on Wednesday, November 13. He alleged that the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) worked in collaboration with Lamens Investments Africa Limited to supply the expired rice to the schools.
Ablakwa further claimed that the rice, which had expired in December 2023, was stored at a facility in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, where it was repackaged into new sacks labeled “ECOWAS” and “Made in Ghana rice”—with no expiry date indicated on the packaging. He said the rice had been imported from India before being repackaged and distributed to schools.
In response to the allegations, the MoE issued a statement on Thursday, thanking Ablakwa for bringing the matter to their attention. The Ministry emphasized that it was taking the claims very seriously and had already initiated a full investigation.
“We take these allegations seriously and, as a matter of urgency, have commenced a comprehensive investigation,” the Ministry said. It added that the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX)—the two entities responsible for supplying food to SHS—have been engaged in the inquiry.
“Together, we have launched a thorough investigation into the issues raised by Hon. Ablakwa,” the statement continued.
The Ministry reassured students, parents, and the public of its commitment to ensuring the health and safety of every student under its care. “Rest assured, we will pursue this matter to its conclusion and provide updates to the public as the investigation progresses,” the Ministry stated.
