A shocking exposé by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that over 22,000 50kg bags of expired and contaminated rice were re-packaged and fed to Free Senior High School (SHS) students.
Following these allegations, the Ministry of Education claims to have commenced investigations.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Education thanked Ablakwa for bringing the issue to its notice, adding that “We take these allegations seriously and, as a matter of urgency, have commenced a full investigation.”
The Ministry said it had engaged the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX), the entities responsible for the supply and distribution of food to senior high schools.
However, Okudzeto Ablakwa, who is behind the exposé, is crying foul, alleging a cover-up. Ablakwa expresses surprise that the Ministry of Education feigns ignorance about the scandal despite intercepted documents showing the Food and Drugs Authority spoke to Deputy Minister Rev. John Ntim Fordjour months ago.
This, according to the member of parliament, raises questions about the Ministry’s involvement and ability to conduct impartial investigations.
The Ministry of Education is, therefore, under pressure to take responsibility for failing to protect students under their care.
Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a social media post, indicated that Ghanaian people demand an independent and unbiased investigation into this scheme which jeopardizes the health of SHS students.
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