The National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) has rejected fresh assurances from government officials regarding the payment of outstanding debts under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme, insisting that its planned picket at the Ministry of Education will proceed as scheduled on Thursday, June 11.
The association is demanding the settlement of approximately GH¢50 million owed to its members for supplies delivered to public senior high schools since 2023.
The decision comes despite a meeting held on Wednesday, June 10, between NAIS representatives and officials of the Free SHS Secretariat. During the engagement, suppliers were briefed on efforts being made to process the outstanding claims and were urged to remain patient.
However, NAIS says similar assurances have been given repeatedly over the years without resulting in actual payments.
Speaking to Citi News, the association’s President, Emmanuel Ayivor, said members were no longer convinced by promises and would continue with the planned demonstration until concrete steps are taken to clear the debt.
According to him, while the suppliers appreciated the opportunity to engage with officials, they remain frustrated by the prolonged delays in payment.
The association had earlier announced the protest in a statement issued on June 3, arguing that the action had become necessary after years of unsuccessful attempts to secure payment for uniforms, house dresses and school cloths supplied under the Free SHS programme.
NAIS maintains that its members have continued to bear the financial burden of supplying goods to schools without receiving compensation, despite several engagements with the relevant authorities.
With no payment yet made, the suppliers say the picket remains their only option to draw attention to their concerns and push government to honour its financial obligations.
