MoE Spokesman Explains His Walkout from 3FM Studio Over Expired Rice Supplied to SHSs

The Ministry of Education (MoE) spokesman explains his exit from the 3FM studio discussion over expired rice supplied to SHSs.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Ministry of Education, Kwasi Kwarteng has explained why he exited the studios of Accra-based 3FM during a discussion centred on alleged expired bags of rice distributed to second-cycle school students.

In a social media post sighted by GhanaEducation.org, the MoE spokesman emphasised that he participate in interviews as a representative of the Ministry and not in his personal capacity thus it is therefore important he conducts such engagements with respect for the office he represents and the facts he presents.

“Productive dialogue is impossible when a host consistently dismisses facts and context I provide while relying solely on allegations made by others. It is particularly troubling when every point I make is framed as a defence rather than a contribution to the discussion.

And so if I am not afforded the courtesy and opportunity to present my case fairly, the purpose of the interview is defeated and in have no option left than to walk out.

The media’s role is to educate, inform, and foster meaningful discourse. However, when it is weaponized to push personal & partisan interests as what was demonstrated by Mr Hughes, then the purpose of responsible journalism and open engagement is defeated.

⁠Inviting a guest only to exploit an issue which had already been clarified by Fodd and Drugs Authority (FDA), while casting doubt on my responses is not journalism but partisan cross-examination!

Walking out of the studio was a principled response to the unprofessional heckling I faced in the hands of a biased and prejudiced journalist.

And I will not hesitate to do the same if faced with similar behavior in the future. The media must uphold its responsibility to inform and engage constructively, not manipulate public perception for partisan gains.”

Meanwhile, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has expressed its readiness to undergo audits by both local and international bodies to validate its actions concerning the alleged distribution of unwholesome rice to Senior High Schools (SHS).

Speaking to journalists at a news conference, the FDA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Delese Mimi Darko, said that all approvals granted were in strict adherence to regulatory standards and best practices.

READ: Deputy Education Minister denies meeting FDA over expired rice

“The FDA is open to audits by qualified local and international bodies to validate all its actions,” she stated.

Dr Darko explained that the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) followed international best practices for food safety, including the management of use-by dates, expiry dates, and best-before-end dates.

READ: Ghana has been denied an education reform budget – MoE PRO

“The authority, like other authorities globally, may use accepted regulatory extensions of best before dates, following rigorous testing and compliance with storage requirements, and this is in line with international best practices.

The MoE spokesman 3FM studio exit resulting from the expired rice wahala has shocked many Ghanaians as the December 7th elections draw nearer.