The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has clarified that the GH¢100,000 fine imposed on Lamens Investments Africa Limited was due to multiple regulatory breaches, not the quality of Moshosho Rice imported from India.

According to the FDA, investigations uncovered that Lamens Investments re-bagged the rice without obtaining prior approval, an essential step to ensure compliance with safety standards and product integrity.

“The FDA imposed an administrative fine of GH¢100,000 on Lamens Investments Africa Limited for the following regulatory breaches: Re-bagging the rice without prior FDA approval, Conducting re-bagging operations in an unlicensed facility, and Failing to ensure FDA supervision during the re-bagging process,” part of the FDA’s statement read.

The re-bagging operations, conducted in an unlicensed facility, also violated Ghanaian laws requiring FDA oversight during such processes. The fine followed investigations into the alleged re-bagging of 22,000 bags of 50kg rice, originally imported from India and falsely labelled as “Made in Ghana.” These rice bags lacked crucial information, such as manufacturing and expiration dates.

While regulatory standards were breached, the FDA confirmed that tests conducted by reputable institutions in India and Ghana, including the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), confirmed the rice met safety standards. However, the handling of the product violated protocols designed to protect public health.

The FDA also disclosed that it approved an extension of the rice's Best Before date from December 20, 2023, to April 30, 2024, after thorough scientific evaluation. However, a request for a further extension to December 2024 was denied due to insufficient stability data.

Public Concerns on Partial Fine Payments

Addressing concerns about its acceptance of partial payments for administrative fines, the FDA explained that this practice allows regulatory actions to proceed without delay, ensuring companies remain accountable while adhering to financial commitments.

Reaffirming its commitment to public health, the FDA stated, “We will continue to uphold the highest standards, taking decisive actions to protect public health and safety.”

Background

The case gained public attention after Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, alleged that 22,000 bags of expired and repackaged rice had been distributed to Senior High Schools (SHSs) nationwide. Ablakwa claimed the National Food Buffer Stock Company conspired with Lamens Investments to repackage expired rice imported from India into sacks labelled as “Made in Ghana” without expiration dates.

According to Ablakwa, “The National Food Buffer Stock Company clearly conspired with a company known as Lamens Investments Africa Limited. They used the Buffer Stock storage facility in Kumasi, in the Ashanti region, to repackage expired rice... into locally made sacks, with inscription 'ECOWAS,' 'Made in Ghana rice,' but without an expiry date."

The Ashanti Regional Police Command and FDA initially intercepted the rice for investigation. However, Ablakwa alleged that an “instruction from above” allowed the rice to be released for distribution even before FDA test results confirmed its safety.

The MP further claimed that some 10,000 bags of rice were stored in a bonded warehouse in Tema and that the company had only paid half of the GH¢100,000 fine. "Even the fine – they have only paid half of it, and they can't be located to pay the remainder," he added.

Calling for further investigations, Ablakwa emphasized, “There ought to be prosecution. The company has admitted to their wrongdoing and agreed to pay a fine of GH¢100,000 after jeopardizing the health of thousands of Ghanaian students.”