The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has criticised the Chief of Staff, Frema Osei Opare for dismissing reports of 'expired rice' being distributed to Senior High Schools as untrue and propagandist.

The MP argued that Chief of Staff's comments, which sought to downplay the seriousness of the issue, were inappropriate and failed to address the concerns raised by the public.

The lawmaker's criticism follows remarks made by Osei Opare, who in response to allegations about the distribution of expired rice in schools, described the matter as a baseless propaganda aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the education sector.

Read also: Why the drama if FDA declared repackaged ‘expired’ rice wholesome? – Kwasi Kwarteng to Ablakwa

She stated that such accusations should not be allowed to spread, claiming the allegations were false.

However, speaking in an interview on Joy FM's *Super Morning Show* on Thursday, November 21, Mr Ablakwa strongly disagreed with the Chief of Staff’s stance.

He contended that instead of dismissing the issue, the government should have called on all relevant agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly. He argued that this would have been a more responsible approach to ensure accountability and restore public confidence.

Mr Ablakwa further expressed concern that by choosing to label the allegations as propaganda, the government was undermining the importance of transparency and accountability, which are crucial in addressing public sector issues.

He urged the government to avoid 'whitewashing' the scandal and instead take the necessary steps to resolve the problem.

The MP for North Tongu also emphasised the importance of a comprehensive inquiry into the matter, suggesting that failing to do so would only fuel further distrust among Ghanaians.

He 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 sparked widespread concern across the country.

"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 it and summon all of these agencies rather than whitewash the issue," he stated.