Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has assured members of the National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) that government will take steps to settle outstanding payments owed under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme within one week.
His assurance follows a picketing exercise by members of the association at the Ministry of Education on Thursday over unpaid arrears, despite previous engagements with officials of the Free SHS Secretariat.
The suppliers are demanding payment of approximately GH¢50 million for goods supplied to public senior high schools since 2023, including uniforms, house dresses and other essential items.
Addressing the protesters, Mr Iddrisu acknowledged their concerns and admitted that delays in settling government obligations had placed a burden on suppliers.
“You are free to lament that you are unhappy about the government not honouring its obligations,” he said.
The Minister assured the suppliers that their claims would be reviewed and processed as a matter of urgency, stressing that government would prioritise the settlement of the outstanding arrears.
He disclosed that the payments would cover supplies delivered in both 2023 and 2024, adding that the total amount owed could exceed the figure initially presented by the association.
Mr Iddrisu proposed an audit and validation process to verify invoices and delivery records before payments are released.
He also directed representatives of the suppliers to engage with the Ministry’s Chief Director and Director of Finance to facilitate the verification and payment process.
Giving a firm assurance on the timeline, the Minister said efforts were underway to resolve the matter within a week.
“I give you my word and assurance that within a week we should be able to honour it,” he stated.
The picketing action by NAIS follows months of complaints over delayed payments under the Free SHS programme, which has periodically faced financial challenges involving suppliers and service providers.
The association maintains that the unpaid arrears have adversely affected the operations of its members and continues to call for the immediate settlement of all outstanding debts despite ongoing engagements with government officials.
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