The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has accused the Chief of Staff, Frema Osei Opare, of “white-washing” concerns over reports of expired rice being distributed to Senior High Schools, describing her dismissal of the issue as untrue and propagandist.
The Chief of Staff had earlier downplayed the allegations, labeling them as baseless propaganda aimed at discrediting the education sector. She urged the public not to entertain such claims, insisting that the reports were false and lacked merit.
However, speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, November 21, Mr. Ablakwa criticized her approach, arguing that it undermined public concerns. He contended that instead of dismissing the claims outright, the government should have initiated a thorough investigation involving all relevant agencies to establish the facts and ensure accountability.
“She should have immediately summoned all the agencies involved in this. She should summon 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 and summon all of these agencies rather than whitewash the issue,” he stated.
The North Tongu MP emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, asserting that the Chief of Staff’s comments failed to address the gravity of the situation. He warned that dismissing the allegations as propaganda could erode public trust and called for a comprehensive inquiry to uncover the truth behind the expired rice claims.
Mr. Ablakwa also urged the Chief of Staff to reconsider her remarks and prioritize resolving the matter, noting that doing so would restore public confidence and demonstrate a commitment to addressing issues within the public sector.
By dismissing the concerns without proper investigation, he argued, the government risked fueling further distrust among Ghanaians, undermining the very principles of accountability and good governance.