In a development that could affect senior high school students across Ghana, the National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) has revealed that the government owes its members for services provided under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy. According to the association, the government has accumulated outstanding debts for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic years, totaling millions of Ghana cedis. As a result, students may be required to purchase their uniforms, house dresses, and other essential items, rather than receiving them through the Free SHS policy, as had been the case previously.

The NAIS, which supplies school uniforms, house dresses, and other essential goods to senior high schools, expressed concerns over the delayed payments in a statement issued by its President, Emmanuel Ayivor, and Secretary, James Kudozia. The association highlighted that despite fulfilling their contractual obligations under the Free SHS program, its members have not received any payments for the services provided to the government. “Despite constantly fulfilling their contractual obligations under the Free SHS policy, its members have not received payments for their services,” the statement read.

The NAIS has called on the government to urgently settle the arrears for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic years, emphasizing that the delay in payments is causing significant financial hardship for its members. This financial strain is not only affecting the suppliers but is also jeopardizing the continuation of the Free SHS policy. The association pointed out that the delay in payment, combined with rising costs of raw materials, has left many suppliers in a precarious position, unable to meet their financial obligations and continue their operations.

The statement also highlighted the broader implications of the situation, noting that the financial distress faced by the suppliers could severely affect the success of the Free SHS policy. The NAIS warned that if the situation is not addressed immediately, it could lead to a disruption in the supply of essential goods for students, thereby impacting the education of thousands of senior high school students across the country.

“We are ready to continue supplying the necessary goods to the government, but urgent action is required to avert further financial distress among our members and to ensure the continuity of the Free SHS policy,” the statement continued. The association stressed that the government must act promptly to settle the outstanding payments and ensure that suppliers can continue supporting the educational sector.

In conclusion, the NAIS called on the government to prioritize the settlement of all outstanding payments owed to its members. They emphasized that without these payments, it would be increasingly difficult for suppliers to sustain their operations and continue their contributions to the country’s educational system. The association urged the government to take swift action to resolve the issue and safeguard the future of the Free SHS program.