The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency in the Volta Region, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has strongly criticized the Ministry of Education for allegedly acting as a public relations front for the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) amid a growing scandal involving expired rice distributed to Free Senior High students. Mr Ablakwa’s comments follow revelations that the Ministry’s spokesperson claimed FDA approval had been obtained to extend the expiry date of a batch of “Indian Moshosho” rice from December 2023 to April 2024.

Mr Ablakwa in a Facebook post  questioned the Ministry’s defense, suggesting sarcastically that “soon they will tell us they had another authorization from the FDA to change the origin of the rice from India to Ghana, and then an additional FDA authorization not to indicate expiry dates on the re-bagged rice.”

Adding to the controversy, Mr Ablakwa highlighted that Lamens, the company responsible for the rice, had been fined by the FDA and made an initial payment of GHS50,000, acknowledging fault in the matter.

Mr Ablakwa presented evidence of the fine, expressing disbelief at the Ministry’s defense of a company accused of distributing substandard food to students.

"I am absolutely convinced now more than ever that an independent, credible, and impartial investigation into this scandal must start from the Ministry of Education,” Ablakwa said.

He condemned what he described as misplaced priorities under the current Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, saying, “The Ministry of Education defends companies engaged in criminal ventures instead of defending vulnerable children placed under their care.”

Mr Ablakwa’s remarks have intensified calls for accountability and transparency, with stakeholders and concerned citizens demanding clarity on the Ministry’s role and actions regarding food quality in schools.