How to resolve AdBlock issue? Frema Osei Opare Addresses Alleged Expired Rice Scandal in Senior High Schools
Sunday, 24 November 2024 | Ghana
The Chief of Staff, Frema Osei Opare, has strongly denied claims regarding the alleged repackaging of expired rice distributed to Senior High Schools (SHSs) across Ghana. Describing the allegations as “untrue and propaganda,” Osei Opare urged that such issues should not be allowed to taint the education sector.
Speaking during an interview with JoyNews' Prince Kudogah at the National Education Book Launch on Monday, November 18, she emphasized that the country should focus on positive developments instead of engaging in rumor-mongering. "You know it is not true, so let us focus on things that move this country forward… propaganda and rumour-mongering have no place in education,” she said.
This statement comes after accusations by North Tongu Member of Parliament (MP) Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who claimed that 22,000 bags of expired and repackaged rice were distributed to SHSs across the country in February this year. Ablakwa alleged that the rice, which was distributed through the Free Senior High School Secretariat, was part of a deliberate act.
In response to the allegations, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the directors of Lamens Investments Africa, the company accused of repackaging the expired rice. The Caucus named the directors, Mr. Agyefi Mensah and Simon Agyei, calling for their re-arrest and prosecution. Ablakwa also criticized the National Food Buffer Stock Company, accusing it of storing the expired rice at unregistered storage sites and demanding sanctions against its Board and Management.
"Such recklessness, which sacrifices the health of our students for corrupt transactions, must not go unpunished,” Ablakwa added, stressing the need for accountability.
The Ministry of Education has responded to these claims, with the Public Relations Officer, Kwasi Kwarteng, clarifying the situation. According to Kwarteng, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) had declared that the rice was safe for consumption, contradicting the allegations of expired food. He explained that the rice did not expire, as its "best before" date was set for December 2023. Lamens Investments, however, faced a fine from the FDA for repackaging the rice without the necessary approval.
"For the record, Lamens was fined for not getting authorization for the repackaging of the food. It has nothing to do with the declaration of the wholesomeness of the food," Kwarteng explained. He added that the company had requested an extension for the expiry date, but proceeded with repackaging before receiving the necessary FDA approval.
Despite this clarification, tensions remain high, with both political and public scrutiny surrounding the issue. The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about food safety and governance within the education sector. While the Ministry of Education and the FDA have defended the wholesomeness of the rice, opposition parties and civil society groups continue to call for further investigations and accountability.
As the investigation into the claims continues, all parties involved remain steadfast in their positions, creating a divided narrative around this issue.
Speaking during an interview with JoyNews' Prince Kudogah at the National Education Book Launch on Monday, November 18, she emphasized that the country should focus on positive developments instead of engaging in rumor-mongering. "You know it is not true, so let us focus on things that move this country forward… propaganda and rumour-mongering have no place in education,” she said.
This statement comes after accusations by North Tongu Member of Parliament (MP) Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who claimed that 22,000 bags of expired and repackaged rice were distributed to SHSs across the country in February this year. Ablakwa alleged that the rice, which was distributed through the Free Senior High School Secretariat, was part of a deliberate act.
In response to the allegations, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the directors of Lamens Investments Africa, the company accused of repackaging the expired rice. The Caucus named the directors, Mr. Agyefi Mensah and Simon Agyei, calling for their re-arrest and prosecution. Ablakwa also criticized the National Food Buffer Stock Company, accusing it of storing the expired rice at unregistered storage sites and demanding sanctions against its Board and Management.
"Such recklessness, which sacrifices the health of our students for corrupt transactions, must not go unpunished,” Ablakwa added, stressing the need for accountability.
The Ministry of Education has responded to these claims, with the Public Relations Officer, Kwasi Kwarteng, clarifying the situation. According to Kwarteng, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) had declared that the rice was safe for consumption, contradicting the allegations of expired food. He explained that the rice did not expire, as its "best before" date was set for December 2023. Lamens Investments, however, faced a fine from the FDA for repackaging the rice without the necessary approval.
"For the record, Lamens was fined for not getting authorization for the repackaging of the food. It has nothing to do with the declaration of the wholesomeness of the food," Kwarteng explained. He added that the company had requested an extension for the expiry date, but proceeded with repackaging before receiving the necessary FDA approval.
Despite this clarification, tensions remain high, with both political and public scrutiny surrounding the issue. The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about food safety and governance within the education sector. While the Ministry of Education and the FDA have defended the wholesomeness of the rice, opposition parties and civil society groups continue to call for further investigations and accountability.
As the investigation into the claims continues, all parties involved remain steadfast in their positions, creating a divided narrative around this issue.