Government to begin paying free SHS suppliers next week

The government has assured members of the National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) that payments toward outstanding debts owed under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme will begin next week.

The commitment came after NAIS members staged a picketing exercise at the Ministry of Education on Thursday, June 11, to press for the settlement of arrears owed to suppliers.

According to the association, the government owes its members about GH¢50 million for the supply of uniforms, house dresses and other clothing items to senior high schools since 2023.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, NAIS President Emmanuel Ayivor said Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu personally received the association’s petition and outlined plans for the payment of the outstanding debts.

Ayivor explained that the arrears have been divided into three payment batches, with the first tranche, estimated at approximately GH¢38 million, expected to be released next week.

He added that the second batch has already been forwarded to the GETFund for processing, with indications that all outstanding payments could be cleared before the end of the month.

The suppliers had earlier protested over delays in payment, arguing that the prolonged arrears had placed significant financial pressure on their businesses.

According to the association, many members secured bank loans to fulfil government contracts and are now struggling with growing financial obligations due to the delayed payments.

Ayivor noted that some suppliers are also finding it difficult to retain staff as cash flow challenges continue to affect their operations.

NAIS says it is hopeful that the government will follow through on its promise and fully settle the outstanding debts by the end of June.