The National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) has announced that it will proceed with a planned picket at the Ministry of Education today, June 11, over the government’s failure to settle approximately GH¢50 million owed to suppliers under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.
The association’s decision comes despite renewed assurances from officials of the Free SHS Secretariat that efforts are underway to process and pay outstanding claims.
At a meeting held on June 10, officials of the Secretariat briefed NAIS members on measures being taken to address the arrears and appealed to the suppliers to remain patient.
However, the association said the assurances were insufficient, citing years of delays without any concrete payments.
NAIS, in a statement issued on June 3, explained that the protest had become necessary due to the prolonged non-payment for uniforms, house dresses, and school cloths supplied to public senior high schools across the country.
According to the association, many of its members have not received payment for goods delivered since 2023, despite numerous engagements with relevant government agencies.
Speaking after the meeting, NAIS President Emmanuel Ayivor said suppliers were disappointed that repeated promises from authorities had yet to translate into actual payments.
While acknowledging the Secretariat’s engagement with the association, Mr. Ayivor stressed that members remained dissatisfied with the continued delays and would go ahead with the demonstration as planned.
He noted that the picket was intended to draw attention to the financial challenges facing suppliers and to press government to take immediate steps to clear the outstanding debt.
The association maintains that it will continue its advocacy until concrete action is taken to settle the arrears owed to its members.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
