Free SHS Suppliers to Picket Education Ministry Over GH¢50 Million Debt

Ferdinand  | EducationGhana | June 11 | Free SHS Suppliers to Picket Education Ministry Over GH¢50 Million Debt

The National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) says it will proceed with a planned picket at the Ministry of Education over an estimated GH¢50 million owed to suppliers under the Free SHS programme.

 

NAIS Rejects Fresh Assurances, Maintains Protest

The (NAIS) has announced that it will proceed with its planned picket at the Ministry of Education despite renewed assurances from government officials regarding the payment of outstanding debts owed to suppliers under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.

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 protest is expected to take place on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Suppliers Demand Payment for Goods Delivered Since 2023

According to NAIS, many of its members supplied uniforms, house dresses, school cloths, and other approved items to schools under the Free SHS programme but have not received payment for more than two years.

The association argues that repeated engagements with relevant authorities have yielded little progress, leaving many suppliers under severe financial strain.

In an earlier statement issued on June 3, the association indicated that the prolonged delay in payments had made it difficult for members to sustain their businesses and honour financial obligations.

Meeting With Free SHS Secretariat Fails to Halt Protest

The decision to proceed with the demonstration follows a meeting between representatives of NAIS and officials of the Free SHS Secretariat on Wednesday, June 10.

During the engagement, government officials reportedly briefed suppliers on efforts being made to process their claims and appealed for patience while administrative procedures were completed.

However, the association remains unconvinced.

Speaking to the media, NAIS President stated that suppliers have received several assurances over the years without seeing actual payments reflected in their accounts.

According to him, members believe it is time for concrete action rather than further promises.

Financial Pressure on Suppliers

NAIS says the continued non-payment of outstanding claims has placed significant pressure on suppliers, many of whom secured loans and committed substantial resources to fulfil contracts under the Free SHS programme.

The association argues that delayed payments are affecting business operations, employment, and the ability of suppliers to participate in future government programmes.

 

 

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Implications for the Free SHS Programme

The latest dispute highlights ongoing funding and payment challenges within the implementation of the Free SHS policy.

Education sector observers warn that prolonged delays in settling supplier debts could affect procurement processes and service delivery to schools if confidence among contractors continues to decline.

The Ministry of Education is yet to publicly announce a timeline for the payment of the outstanding claims.

 

Suppliers Demand Immediate Action

NAIS insists that the planned picket will continue until concrete steps are taken to settle the outstanding debt.

The association maintains that while dialogue remains important, actual payment of arrears remains the only acceptable solution for affected suppliers.

With the protest expected to draw attention from stakeholders across the education sector, many will be watching closely for the government’s next move regarding the outstanding GH¢50 million debt.