Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has emphasized the need for an independent investigation into the Food and Drugs Authority’s (FDA) decision to approve the extension of the shelf life of 22,000 bags of rice distributed to secondary schools under the Free Senior High School (SHS) program.
Despite the FDA’s defense that the approval process adhered to regulatory standards, Ablakwa voiced serious concerns about the potential impact on students who consumed the expired rice. Speaking to Citi News, he highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability and called for both local and international audits of the FDA’s actions.
“They [FDA] have only conducted themselves in a manner that raises more questions. And that is why an independent inquiry into this matter is crucial. Perhaps, the only good thing about that press conference is that they are willing to subject themselves and their conduct in this whole scandal to investigation,” Ablakwa said.
The MP also criticized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his perceived inaction. “It is really a shame that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is a leader who checked out long ago and so is taking no action,” he added, reinforcing his call for a thorough investigation into the scandal to ensure accountability and protect students’ welfare.
