Free SHS Suppliers Set to Picket Education Ministry Thursday Over GH¢50m Unpaid Arrears

The National Association of Institutional Suppliers, NAIS, says it will go ahead with a planned picket at the Ministry of Education on Thursday, June 11, over unpaid debts totaling GH¢50 million owed under the Free Senior High School programme.

The debt covers uniforms, house dresses, and school cloths supplied to public senior high schools since 2023. NAIS says members have not been paid despite multiple engagements with government.

The association met with officials of the Free SHS Secretariat on Wednesday, June 10. Suppliers were briefed on steps being taken to process their claims and asked to remain patient. But NAIS says that is not enough.

Speaking to Citi News, NAIS President Emmanuel Ayivor said past assurances from government have not translated into payments. He insisted the protest will proceed as scheduled.

“We welcome the engagement with the Free SHS Secretariat, but we remain dissatisfied with the continued delays,” Ayivor said. “Our members have waited since 2023. We will press ahead with the picket until concrete action is taken to settle the outstanding debt.”

NAIS announced the protest in a June 3 statement, citing prolonged delays in settling debts as the reason. The association said repeated appeals to authorities had failed to resolve the matter.

The picket is expected at the Ministry of Education on Thursday, June 11.