Free SHS Suppliers Picket At Ministry Of Education Over GH¢50m Debt

^{Due to outstanding bills owed to its members under the Free Senior High School  (Free SHS) scheme, the National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) has staged a picket at the Ministry of Education.}

^{The group claims that since 2023, the government has owed vendors almost GH¢50 million for school clothes, house dresses, and uniforms given to senior high schools.}

^{National President of NAIS, Emmanuel Ayivor stated that suppliers, many of whom depended on bank loans to complete government contracts, are experiencing severe financial hardship as a result of the payment delay.}

^{He continued by saying that growing cash flow issues are making it difficult for some members to keep employees.}

^{The association has urged the government to promptly release all unpaid cash owed to its members and is requesting the payment of two years' worth of arrears.}

^{According to NAIS, the picketing is intended to raise awareness of difficulties facing suppliers and to demand that arrears be paid right away.}

^{“Today we are here peacefully to register our displeasure to the ministry and the government that we are really stressed. Most of us are working with loans and currently the banks are taking over our properties because we are unable to pay.”}