Free SHS Food Suppliers Give Gov't Two-Week Ultimatum To Pay GH¢250m Arrears

The Controlled Food Suppliers Association (CFSA) has given government a two-week ultimatum to begin negotiations on a clear payment plan for about GH¢250 million owed for food supplied to Senior High Schools under the Free SHS programme.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, President of the Association, Danso Twumasi, said the outstanding amounts have already been reconciled and are not in dispute, but prolonged delays are crippling members.

"The Food Suppliers Association therefore call on the seat of government, the ministry responsible for education, the ministry responsible for finance, the National Buffer Stock Company Limited, the Ghana Commodity Exchange and all other relevant authorities to urgently engage with the association and provide clarity on the settlement of other obligations," he said.

"The outstanding amount have already been reconciled and are not in dispute," he stressed.

According to him, suppliers have endured severe financial burden, with many taking loans at high interest rates to sustain supplies, while the delays are also affecting their health and livelihoods.

The Association is demanding:

1. Immediate and transparent engagement with representatives of the affected suppliers,

2. A feasible and time-bound payment plan for the settlement of the outstanding obligations,

3. Clear communication on implementation of the payment plan including timelines and responsible institutions, and

4. Appropriate consideration of the financial burdens and prolonged economic costs suppliers have borne as a result of the delays.

"We remain committed to dialogue and believe that this matter can be resolved through constructive engagement between suppliers and the relevant authorities," Mr Twumasi said.

"Accordingly, we are offering the government and all relevant authorities a period of two weeks from the date of this press conference to engage with leadership of the association," he added.