By Ghana News 
The National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) has officially scheduled a picket at the Ministry of Education for June 11, 2026.
This protest is a direct response to the government’s failure to settle outstanding payments totaling approximately GH¢50 million for goods supplied under the Free Senior High School (SHS) program.
Suppliers are demanding the immediate release of funds for the uniforms, house dresses, and school cloths they provided to public institutions nationwide. This action marks a escalation in tensions between the association and the government after years of unsuccessful negotiations.
The planned picket serves as a final resort to draw the government’s attention to the severe financial distress currently facing institutional suppliers. Many members of NAIS are struggling to keep their businesses operational because they have not received payments for services rendered since 2023.
Key facts regarding the financial crisis include:
- The total outstanding debt owed to members of the association is estimated at GH¢50 million.
- These arrears have remained unpaid for more than three years, placing significant strain on the affected businesses.
- The debt covers essential supplies such as school uniforms, house dresses, and school cloths provided to public Senior High Schools.
- Despite repeated engagements and appeals to relevant authorities, the government has yet to settle these claims.
- The association hopes the demonstration will underscore the urgency of the situation and force a swift payment resolution.
The NAIS aims to use this peaceful protest to bring visibility to their plight while ensuring their concerns reach key decision-makers and stakeholders. They have invited media coverage to amplify their message and hold the government accountable for the prolonged payment delay.
The impact of this standoff is multifaceted:
- Financial instability among suppliers threatens their ability to continue providing essential goods to schools in the future.
- The association intends for the picket to serve as a wake-up call to the Ministry of Education to prioritize these arrears.
- Public awareness is being leveraged as a strategic tool to ensure that the grievances of these local businesses are addressed.
- The picket is set to take place at the Ministry of Education premises on June 11, 2026, marking a significant moment for the association.
While the government continues to manage the Free SHS policy, the survival of the suppliers who sustain the program’s infrastructure is now at the forefront of this industrial action. Suppliers remain hopeful that this public display of frustration will finally unlock the funds required to stabilize their operations.
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Source: ghananewspage.com