The National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) staged a peaceful picket at the Ministry of Education, demanding urgent payment of debts owed to its members under the government’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.
According to the association, the government owes suppliers approximately GH¢50 million for uniforms, house dresses, and school clothing delivered to senior high schools across the country since 2023. The mounting arrears have left many suppliers in a precarious financial situation.
NAIS National President, Emmanuel Ayivor, expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in payments, noting that many members relied on bank loans to fulfil government contracts. As cash flow worsens, some suppliers are now struggling to keep their businesses afloat and retain their workers. “Most of us are working with loans and currently the banks are taking over our properties because we are unable to pay,” Ayivor said during the picket.
The association is demanding the settlement of two years’ arrears and has called on the government to release all outstanding funds without further delay. NAIS emphasized that the picketing was meant to highlight the hardship faced by suppliers and to press for immediate action from authorities.
The demonstration underscores the growing financial strain on businesses providing essential goods and services to the education sector, as suppliers await a government response to their demands.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com