Expired Rice Scandal: Gov’t’s Criminal negligence has endangered Thousands of Teenagers in our schools – Ablakwa

The a leading member of the NDC Majority Caucus in Parliament, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, has uncovered a major corruption scandal involving the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and Lamens Africa Investments Ltd. At a press conference in Parliament on Monday, November 18, 2024, Ablakwa revealed that over 22,000 bags of expired rice imported from India had been illegally repackaged and distributed to Senior High Schools (SHS) across Ghana.

According to evidence presented at the press conference, Lamens Africa Investments Ltd re-bagged the rice—originally labeled “Made in India” and marked with a December 2023 expiration date—into plain sacks branded as ECOWAS products. These new packages omitted critical information, such as expiry dates, and falsely claimed to be “Made in Ghana.”

Health Risks and Negligence

Investigations by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) revealed that the rice was infested with insects, contained dangerously high fat acidity, and posed significant health risks, including digestive disorders and chronic illnesses. Despite recommendations from the FDA to destroy the contaminated stock, government officials allegedly intervened to push its distribution to schools before the testing process was complete.

“This isn’t just about rice,” Ablakwa stated during the press briefing. “It’s about the lives of our children. This criminal negligence has endangered thousands of teenagers in our schools.”

The Key Players

Ablakwa identified Alhaji Hanan Abdul-Wahab, CEO of the National Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), and its board chair, Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B), as central figures in the scandal. Lamens Africa Investments Ltd, previously implicated in supplying substandard food to schools in 2021, admitted to its role in the current crisis and paid a nominal fine. However, Ablakwa questioned why the company was awarded another lucrative contract despite its track record.

“Why does this company continue to feed our children after such a history?” Ablakwa asked rhetorically.

Calls for Justice

The NDC Majority Caucus is demanding the immediate prosecution of the Directors of Lamens, sanctions against NAFCO leadership, and broader reforms to ensure food safety in schools. They also challenged the government’s highest officials, including President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Bawumia, and the education minister, to publicly consume the same rice given to students.

Parents, unions, and civil society groups have joined the call for accountability. They question why political interference allowed the distribution of unsafe rice, risking the health of Ghana’s youth.

The NDC pledged to pursue justice and reforms to prevent future occurrences of such negligence.

“We will fight until every individual responsible is held accountable. Our children’s lives depend on it,” Ablakwa vowed.

This scandal has sparked outrage nationwide, with many Ghanaians demanding answers and decisive action. While the rice may have been consumed, the push for justice is far from over.

By Evelyn Naadu Borquaye || Ghananewsonline.com.gh