The National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) has vowed to proceed with its planned picketing at the Ministry of Education, despite fresh assurances from government officials that efforts are underway to settle outstanding debts owed to its members under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.
The association is demanding the payment of about GH¢50 million for uniforms, house dresses, and school cloths supplied to public senior high schools since 2023.
The decision follows a meeting between NAIS representatives and officials of the Free SHS Secretariat on Wednesday, June 10, where suppliers were briefed on ongoing efforts to process their claims and urged to exercise patience.
However, the suppliers insist they have heard similar assurances before without any tangible results.
In a statement issued on June 3, the association explained that the planned protest is driven by prolonged delays in payments, which it says have placed significant financial strain on its members.
According to NAIS, suppliers have fulfilled their contractual obligations and delivered the required items to schools across the country but are yet to be paid for goods supplied over the past three years.
Speaking to Accra-based Citi FM, the President of the association, Emmanuel Ayivor, said members appreciated the engagement with the Free SHS Secretariat but remained dissatisfied with the lack of progress in settling the debt.
He noted that repeated promises of payment have failed to materialise, stressing that suppliers can no longer wait indefinitely.
Mr. Ayivor said the association would therefore go ahead with Thursday’s picket at the Ministry of Education to press home its demand for the immediate release of the funds owed its members.
The association maintains that until concrete steps are taken to settle the outstanding debt, it will continue to pursue all lawful means to draw attention to the plight of suppliers under the Free SHS programme.
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