In order to look into the alleged distribution of tainted rice to Senior High Schools (SHS) nationwide, the minority in Parliament has urged President Akufo-Addo to form an impartial commission of investigation.
The opposition MPs, led by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa of North Tongu, contend that the Ministry of Education is unreliable in carrying out an unbiased investigation into the issue.
Therefore, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has demanded that all senior high school pupils who have consumed the “contaminated rice” undergo an immediate nationwide medical examination.
“We would like to politely use this platform to call attention to all the organizations that have so far remained mute on this issue, especially the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service. We would support the urgent need for a nationwide medical screening program, Ablakwa said.
In addition, they called for the National Food Buffer Stock Company’s board and management, as well as the directors of Lamens Investment Africa Limited, to be arrested and charged right away.
There are serious worries about the possible health and social repercussions for the students impacted by the alleged scandal involving the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and Lamens Africa Investments Ltd. that involved the distribution of 22,000 bags of tainted and expired rice to Senior High Schools (SHS) throughout Ghana.
Following Ablakwa’s exposé on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in which he asserted that over 22,000 bags of outdated rice had been repackaged and sent to Senior High Schools across the country, the Ministry replied on November 14 that it will look into the situation.
