Minority demands an independent probe into expired rice scandal

The minority in Parliament is demanding an independent probe into the circumstances surrounding the feeding of free SHS students with expired rice.

Government through the PRO for the Education Ministry Kwasi Kwarteng has explained the FDA granted approval for the expired rice to be re-bagged with new expiry dates after the Member of Parliament for North Tongu Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa blew the whistle on the development.

Addressing the media in parliament Mr. Ablakwa charged President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia to take immediate action given the health implications for students.

The former Deputy Education Minister further charged the FDA to speak to the matter immediately adding government officials should publicly consume the food if they believe it’s wholesome.

“Why is everybody entertaining and defending this company? The other question about the anti-corruption agencies that we want to take up.

“This further justifies our position that the Ministry of Education cannot be trusted to investigate itself. It would be such a discredited investigation. So, we are calling for an independent commission of Investigation.

“That’s why we are saying that President Akufo-Addo must not remain silent. We are talking about a matter that affects millions of senior high school students. President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia, this is the time for them to offer leadership.

“Set up a commission for a special Investigation into this matter. If they fail to, we will be happy to see an organization like the OSP take this matter up, because, under the OSP Act, they are to investigate criminal conduct. And rebadging without authorization is criminal conduct,” the lawmaker stated.

He continued: “If the president does not set up a commission to investigate this matter, we will welcome the OSP taking up this matter and investigating it. You know that we have collaborated with the OSP on other matters. The recent one was the $34.9 million ambulance spare parts scandal, which involved the president’s daughters and their sweethearts and business partners.

“We continue to collaborate with the OSP on these matters. And we’ll welcome another collaboration if they are minded. We hope that they will be minded in the interest of public health and safety.”

Source: Starrfm.com.gh