The National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) has announced that it will go ahead with a planned picket at the Ministry of Education over outstanding payments estimated at GH¢50 million for supplies provided under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.
The decision comes despite recent assurances from officials of the Free SHS Secretariat, who met with the association on June 10 and outlined efforts to process the outstanding claims while urging suppliers to remain patient.
NAIS, however, says the assurances do not address the prolonged delays that have left members unpaid for goods supplied to public senior high schools since 2023. The arrears relate mainly to the provision of school uniforms, house dresses and school cloths under the government’s flagship education initiative.
Association President Emmanuel Ayivor said suppliers have repeatedly been promised payment, but those commitments have yet to result in the release of funds. While welcoming the engagement with government officials, he noted that members remain dissatisfied with the continued delays.
Mr Ayivor stated that the association is determined to proceed with Thursday’s demonstration until concrete measures are taken to settle the outstanding debt.
According to NAIS, the delayed payments are placing significant financial strain on suppliers and threatening the sustainability of businesses that have fulfilled contracts under the Free SHS programme. The planned protest is expected to intensify pressure on authorities to resolve the long-standing payment concerns.