The Spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Kwasi Kwarteng, has questioned the basis of North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s criticism regarding the distribution of repackaged expired rice to Senior High Schools.

According to Mr Kwarteng, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) declared the 'expired' rice safe for consumption on January 16, 2024.

Speaking on Joy FM's Middaynews on Monday, November 18, Mr Kwarteng defended the Ministry’s position, stating that the safety and well-being of students have always been their top priority.

“At the end of the day, the understanding that I have from the FDA is that they declared the product wholesome and safe for consumption. The approval came on January 16, 2024,” he said.

His comments come in response to the Minority’s demands for an investigation into the Ministry of Education and the National Food Buffer Stock Company, alongside calls for the arrest of Lamens Investments Africa’s directors.

Mr Kwarteng expressed surprise at Ablakwa's dissatisfaction, emphasising that the FDA’s assurance of the rice's safety should have resolved the matter.

“I do not understand why Ablakwa should be disappointed. The FDA confirmed that the food was wholesome. If the intention is to fight for the safety and well-being of students, then this confirmation should be enough,” he argued.

He clarified that Lamens Investments Africa, the company at the centre of the controversy, was sanctioned by the FDA not for distributing unwholesome food but for failing to obtain the necessary approval to repackage the rice.

“The FDA’s issue was that Lamens did not get the requisite approval for repackaging. Although they had extended the product’s ‘best before’ date, Lamens was supposed to attach the necessary documentation to every consignment sent to schools. They failed to do this and repackaged the product without approval,” he explained.

"For us at the Ministry, our priority is to find out whether the food is wholesome, and we have done that. So that ends it for the ministry,” he stressed.