Suppliers working under Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme have decided to continue with plans to stage a protest at the Ministry of Education today, June 11, as frustration grows over years of unpaid invoices.
The National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) says the government still owes its members close to GH¢50 million for educational materials delivered to public senior high schools.
Although officials recently met with the group and provided updates on efforts to settle the debt, suppliers say they can no longer wait indefinitely for payment.
The planned demonstration follows months of growing concern among businesses that supplied uniforms, house dresses, and school clothes to schools across the country.
Many suppliers claim they have been waiting since 2023 to receive money for goods already delivered.
During a meeting on June 10, representatives of the Free SHS Secretariat appealed to the suppliers to remain patient while payment processes continue.
However, the association believes previous assurances have produced little progress and have not eased the financial burden facing its members.
NAIS argues that the prolonged delay has affected businesses, disrupted operations, and created uncertainty for suppliers who fulfilled their contractual obligations in support of the government’s flagship education programme.
The association’s president, Emmanuel Ayivor, acknowledged the discussions with the Secretariat but said the meeting did not provide the level of certainty members had hoped for.
He explained that suppliers want action rather than promises and expect the government to demonstrate a clear commitment to clearing the outstanding debt.
As a result, the association has resolved to proceed with the picket at the Ministry of Education. Members believe the demonstration will draw attention to their concerns and increase pressure for the immediate release of the funds owed to them.
The group maintains that it will continue advocating for payment until the government settles the debt in full.
