The National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) has announced that it will proceed with its planned picket at the Ministry of Education today, June 11, despite fresh assurances from government officials regarding outstanding payments owed under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.
The association is demanding the payment of approximately GH¢50 million for supplies delivered to public senior high schools since 2023.
The decision follows a meeting held on Wednesday, June 10, between representatives of the suppliers and officials of the Free SHS Secretariat. During the meeting, suppliers were briefed on efforts being made to process their claims and were urged to exercise patience.
NAIS says the protest has become necessary due to the prolonged delay in settling debts owed to suppliers of uniforms, house dresses, and school cloths supplied under the Free SHS programme.
According to the association, members have not received payment for goods supplied over the past two years despite several engagements with the relevant authorities.
Speaking to Citi News, President of NAIS, Emmanuel Ayivor, said repeated assurances from the government have not translated into actual payments.
While acknowledging the recent engagement with the Free SHS Secretariat, he noted that members remain dissatisfied with the delays and are determined to continue with the picket until concrete steps are taken to settle the outstanding debt.
The planned protest is expected to draw attention to the financial difficulties suppliers say they have endured as a result of the delayed payments.
