The government of Ghana has stepped in to address the concerns of Institutional Suppliers who provide essential items to Senior High Schools (SHS) in the country.
Following a protest by the National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) at the Ministry of Education, the government has disbursed GH₵26,000,000 to settle outstanding arrears owed to these suppliers.
The Education Ministry emphasized that this disbursement reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education and ensuring the smooth operation of educational institutions. This move is part of broader efforts to improve and sustain the quality of education in Ghana.
The NAIS had expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s delay in paying its members for the supplies provided to SHS, including uniforms, housedresses, and other essentials. Despite a previous commitment by the government to start payments and clear all outstanding debts owed to NAIS, the suppliers took action by demonstrating at the Ministry of Education.
After a closed-door meeting with officials, the planned picketing was suspended, and assurances were given by the ministry that arrears from the 2021/2022 academic year would be paid promptly, with a partial payment for the 2022/2023 academic year to follow soon.
Emmanuel Ayivor, the Public Relations Officer of NAIS, highlighted the importance of honoring agreements and warned that the demonstration would resume if the government failed to fulfill its commitments. Discussions are ongoing to establish a payment plan and ensure that all arrears are settled as promised.
