Despite receiving new assurances from government officials regarding outstanding payments to its members under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program, the National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) has pledged to go forward with its planned picket at the Ministry of Education on Thursday, June 11.
Since 2023, the organization has been requesting payment of around GH¢50 million for supplies provided under the program.
The ruling comes after a meeting with Free SHS Secretariat officials on Wednesday, June 10, when the suppliers were informed of steps being taken to handle their claims and advised to be patient.
In a statement released on June 3, NAIS said the demonstration had become essential as a result of the protracted delay in paying obligations owed to providers of uniforms, house dresses, and school apparel to public high schools.
According to the group, its members have not been paid for the items they supplied since 2023, despite numerous contacts and requests to the authorities.
However, President of the Association, Emmanuel Ayivor, told Citi News that repeated guarantees from the government had not led to actual payments, and he insisted that the planned picket would go ahead as planned.
He said that even though members were pleased with their participation with the Free SHS Secretariat, they were still unhappy about the ongoing delays and were resolved to continue their protest until something concrete was done to settle the outstanding debt.
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