Commenting on the expired rice scandal revealed by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni raised serious concerns.

He pointed out that if there was nothing wrong with the imported rice, it would not have been repackaged.

Awuni also highlighted the suspicious extension of the product’s expiry date once it arrived in Ghana, suggesting that these actions cast doubt on the rice’s quality and the motivations behind such practices.

He emphasized the need for greater scrutiny of the handling and distribution of imported goods in the country.

“Would the Minister of Education and FDA officials have approved the extension of the expiry date if the rice had been meant for their own children at home?
“And who is this importer? How did they get the FDA’s approval even after the FDA found out that they repackaged the rice before requesting the FDA approval to extend the date on the rice, which expired in December 2023?”
Manasseh Azure Awuni

Awuni further raised concerns about the stance of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), questioning whether it implies that expiry dates on products are merely suggestions rather than strict guidelines.

He expressed disbelief over the response of the President’s Chief of Staff, who seemed more focused on attacking the whistle-blower rather than addressing the serious allegations.

Awuni found it troubling that the Chief of Staff dismissed the concerns as mere propaganda, rather than taking the necessary steps to investigate the issue thoroughly.

This reaction, according to Awuni, underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency from government officials when addressing matters that affect public health and safety.

Awuni expressed his deep frustration with the way the expired rice issue has been handled, questioning how Ghana had allowed itself to sink to such a low point.

He lamented the apparent disregard for public health and safety, pointing out that the situation reflects a troubling lack of accountability and oversight in the country.

Ablakwa Criticizes Chief of Staff Over Expired Rice Dismissal

Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has criticized Chief of Staff Frema Osei Opare for dismissing reports of expired rice being distributed to Senior High Schools as false and propagandist.

The MP contended that the Chief of Staff’s remarks, which attempted to downplay the gravity of the issue, were inappropriate and failed to address the legitimate concerns raised by the public.

While the Chief of Staff dismissed the matter as baseless propaganda designed to tarnish the reputation of the education sector, Ablakwa strongly disagreed.

He argued that rather than dismissing the issue, the government should have taken immediate action by calling on the relevant agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.

“She should have immediately summoned all the agencies involved in this. She should summoned the Education Ministry and the FDA, the Buffer Stock Company, and all the companies working under her but she thinks that this is a matter that she should be alarmed about and summon all of these agencies rather than whitewash the issue”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

Mr. Ablakwa further expressed concern that by labeling the allegations as propaganda, the government was undermining the critical principles of transparency and accountability, which are essential in addressing issues within the public sector.

He urged the government not to “whitewash” the scandal but to take the necessary actions to resolve the problem.

The MP for North Tongu also stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the matter, warning that failure to do so would only deepen the mistrust among Ghanaians.

Ablakwa called on the Chief of Staff to reconsider her comments and support efforts to uncover the full truth behind the expired rice issue, which has raised significant concerns nationwide.