Kwasi Kwarteng, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, has addressed the controversy surrounding the distribution of repackaged rice to Senior High Schools (SHSs).
The rice in question, which had previously expired, has been cleared by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) as safe for consumption, according to Kwarteng.
Kwarteng’s remarks follow criticism from Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the North Tongu MP, who has called for an investigation into the Ministry’s actions and the National Food Buffer Stock Company.
Ablakwa is particularly concerned about the involvement of Lamens Investments Africa, the company that repackaged the rice.
However, Kwarteng pointed out that the rice had been approved for use by the FDA since January 16, 2024.
Speaking during an appearance on Joy FM’s Midday News on November 18, Kwarteng emphasized that the Ministry’s primary concern was the safety and well-being of the students.
He argued that the FDA’s declaration that the rice was wholesome should put the issue to rest. “If the FDA has confirmed that the product is safe for consumption, then I fail to see why there should be further controversy,” he said.
In response to calls for action against Lamens Investments, Kwarteng explained that the company was sanctioned by the FDA not for distributing unsafe food, but for failing to secure the necessary approval for repackaging the rice.
Although the rice had its “best before” date extended, Lamens was required to submit proper documentation with each consignment sent to schools.
This procedural oversight was the FDA’s primary concern, not the safety of the rice itself.
The ongoing debate has stirred up political tensions, with critics accusing the Education Ministry of neglecting their duty to ensure that the food distributed to students is both safe and properly handled. Kwarteng, however, remains firm that the Ministry fulfilled its obligation by confirming the rice’s safety. “Our responsibility was to determine whether the rice was safe, and we have done so.
That should be the end of the matter for the Ministry,” he concluded.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate in Ghanaian media, with some accusing the Minority of politicizing the issue. Ablakwa, for instance, has questioned the logic behind repackaging expired food for students, especially when there are concerns about transparency in the approval process.
While the FDA has cleared the rice for consumption, the focus on the repackaging process continues to generate discussion.
Lamens Investments Africa has not responded publicly to the FDA’s sanction. Still, it remains to be seen whether any further investigations will be launched regarding the company’s practices.
Critics of the Education Ministry suggest that the lack of documentation could be seen as a significant lapse in protocol, regardless of the FDA’s approval of the rice’s safety.
Kwarteng’s defense of the rice as wholesome contrasts with the concerns raised by political figures like Ablakwa, who continue to call for accountability over what they consider questionable practices.
Despite the assurance from the FDA, questions linger about the transparency of the processes surrounding food safety and the role of various stakeholders in ensuring that students receive the highest standard of care.
For now, the Ministry stands by its actions, insisting that its focus remains on the well-being of students and ensuring the food distributed meets safety standards, as confirmed by the FDA.
However, with political figures like Ablakwa leading the charge for an investigation, the issue is likely to continue attracting attention in the coming weeks.
