Free SHS Suppliers Picket Education Ministry Over GH¢50 Million Debt
Members of the National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) have staged a peaceful picketing exercise at the Ministry of Education, demanding the payment of outstanding debts owed to them under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.
According to the association, the government owes its members approximately GH¢50 million for the supply of uniforms, house dresses and other school clothing delivered to senior high schools since 2023.
Speaking during the demonstration, NAIS National President, Emmanuel Ayivor, said the prolonged delay in payments has placed severe financial pressure on suppliers across the country.
He explained that many suppliers secured bank loans to execute government contracts and are now struggling to meet their repayment obligations due to the non-payment of funds.
Mr. Ayivor noted that the situation is threatening the survival of several businesses, with some members finding it difficult to retain employees because of worsening cash-flow challenges.
The association is also demanding the settlement of two years’ worth of arrears and has urged the government to release all outstanding payments as a matter of urgency.
According to NAIS, the picketing exercise was intended to draw attention to the difficulties suppliers are facing and to push for immediate action from the government.
“Today we are here peacefully to register our displeasure to the ministry and the government that we are really stressed. Most of us are working with loans and currently the banks are taking over our properties because we are unable to pay,” Mr. Ayivor stated.
The association says prompt payment of the arrears is necessary to prevent further financial distress among suppliers and safeguard jobs within the sector.
Officials from the Ministry of Education are yet to publicly respond to the concerns raised by the suppliers.
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