The NDC caucus in Parliament has called on the government to address the re-bagging of over 22,000 expired and contaminated Moshosho rice imported from India.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa recently alleged that the expired rice was deceptively repackaged as ECOWAS Made-in-Ghana rice and fed to millions of SHS students starting in February this year.
The caucus questioned why the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has failed to launch an independent, impartial, and credible investigation into this disturbing issue.
“Why has the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government become spokespersons for the notorious Lamens? Why was Lamens not blacklisted in 2021 when the Auditor-General made damning findings against the company about other unwholesome food items it distributed to schools?
“Why did NAFCO led by Alhaji Hanan Abdul-Wahab and Nana Boakye permit their NAFCO storage facility in Kumasi to be used by Lamens for this criminal re-bagging?”
NDC Caucus in Parliament
The NDC caucus also raised serious concerns about the role of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) in what they described as a callous and criminal conspiracy with Lamens to endanger the lives of students.
They questioned why NAFCO engaged in this dubious scheme to re-bag expired and contaminated rice without seeking the necessary approval from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
The caucus emphasized that this failure to secure FDA authorization violated regulatory requirements meant to ensure food safety and protect public health.
Furthermore, the NDC accused NAFCO of breaching the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which mandates all NAFCO storage facilities nationwide to be registered.
They demanded answers regarding why NAFCO neglected this legal obligation, describing it as a reckless disregard for public health standards and the welfare of students. “As of today, NAFCO has failed to comply with utter impunity and continues to put the health of our children at great risk”.
The NDC questioned the accuracy of the Education Ministry’s claim that the FDA extended the best-before date of the rice from December 2023 to April 30, 2024.
NDC Questions FDA’s Role in Lamens Rice Scandal
Moreover, the NDC parliamentary caucus raised concerns about the Education Ministry’s claim, asking the FDA to clarify the legal basis and authority under which it allegedly extended the expiry date for Lamens.
They questioned why Lamens resorted to illegal re-bagging if they had FDA authorization and sought explanations about the FDA’s protocols for such extensions.
The caucus also inquired how Lamens secured the extension on the same day it applied to the FDA.
“Did the FDA authorize the deceptive re-bagging into the ECOWAS bags which also changed the origin of the rice from India to Ghana? Did the FDA authorize the re-bagging into packaging that did not contain a best-before or expiry date as required by LI 1541?
“Why did the FDA not destroy the contaminated Moshosho Rice as its internal memo of December 29, 2023, initially recommended? Why is the Ministry of Education compelling High Schools to receive unwholesome re-packaged food items without expiry dates?”
NDC Caucus in Parliament
The NDC further criticized the Ministry of Education for feigning ignorance and failing to implement recommendations from PIAC and the Auditor General to improve health and safety protocols in food distribution to Senior High Schools.
The caucus also expressed concern over the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration’s failure to sanction officials involved in this serious issue.
They also called for the identities of the government actors who facilitated the release of Lamens officials after their arrest in Kumasi.
According to the NDC, these government actors also pressured the FDA to alter its original scientific and professional stance on the matter. “How did Lamens move from a culpable and fined company to a darling company of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government?”
The NDC caucus in parliament questioned why the directors of Lamens have managed to evade prosecution for so many years.
They demanded an explanation from the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, arguing that the lack of accountability raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
