Uniform suppliers to picket Ministry of Education over GH¢50m unpaid Free SHS debt

The National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) has announced that it will proceed with its planned picket at the Ministry of Education on Thursday, June 11, despite renewed assurances from government officials over the payment of outstanding debts owed to its members under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.

The association is demanding the settlement of approximately GH¢50 million owed to suppliers who provided school uniforms, house dresses, and school cloths to public senior high schools across the country from 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 were urged to remain patient.

However, NAIS President Emmanuel Ayivor said the discussions failed to provide the firm commitments members had expected regarding payment timelines.

According to him, while the association appreciated the engagement, members remain frustrated by the prolonged delays and intend to continue with the protest until concrete steps are taken to clear the outstanding debt.

“We welcomed the meeting, but our members need action, not just assurances. The debt has remained unpaid for far too long, and many suppliers are facing serious financial difficulties,” he indicated.

In an earlier statement issued on June 3, the association explained that the planned picket became necessary after repeated appeals and engagements with the relevant authorities failed to result in payment.

NAIS noted that despite several promises from government, suppliers have yet to receive the funds owed for contracts executed under the Free SHS programme.

The demonstration, themed “Delayed Payment of School Uniform Contracts,” is expected to take place at the Ministry of Education, with the association urging all members to participate.

The planned protest is expected to draw attention to the financial challenges facing institutional suppliers and intensify calls for the government to settle outstanding obligations under the flagship education programme.