President of the National Free SHS Suppliers Association, Agnes Abedua, says she has been unable to sleep because of mounting pressure from creditors and other individuals demanding payment from her over money she says the government owes suppliers.
The association says government owes GH¢250 million to suppliers who provided food to SHSs during the 2024/2025 academic year.
She says the financial strain has become overwhelming, with frequent calls and threats of police and court action adding to her distress.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Madam Abedua said the situation had left her constantly anxious whenever her phone rings.
“I can’t even sleep. People are always calling, taking me to the police station, courts and invoking cases,” she said.
The over-60-year-old supplier said she has struggled to support her family since losing her husband more than eight years ago and has had to raise her children on her own.
She said the pressure became even worse when people began claiming they had received arrears and demanding that she also settle outstanding debts, even though suppliers had not received their payments.
“A few days back, someone called that they have paid arrears and was demanding that I pay them too. But the truth is we haven’t been paid,” she stated.
Madam Abedua said her age and circumstances had not shielded her from the financial difficulties, forcing her to depend on others for basic support.
“I am over 60 years old, but I always have to call people to beg for financial support.”
She said the unpaid debt was also affecting her ability to support her children through school.
“One of my children is in Level 300, and I can’t even pay the fees. One is also in Abetifi Training College. Anytime I see their call, I panic,” she said.
She appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and ensure the suppliers’ outstanding debts are paid.
“We will plead with the President to have mercy on us. We are on our knees.”
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