The National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) has expressed disappointment in the government over unpaid debts owed to them.
The Association said the government is indebted to them two academic years.
If the issue is left unaddressed, senior high school students across the country, under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, would be expected to buy their uniforms, house dresses, and other essential goods.
The academic years owed them are 2022/2023 and 2023/2024, which is running into millions of Ghanaian cedis.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Emmanuel Ayivor, and Secretary, James Kudozia, NAIS said, “Despite constantly fulfilling their contractual obligations under the free SHS policy, its members have not received payments for their services.”.
“The National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) is calling on the government to, as a matter of urgency, pay for the arrears of the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic years.”.
According to the association that supplies school uniforms, house dresses, and other essential goods to senior high schools, the delay in paying them has affected their members and will, in the long run, affect the implementation of the free SHS policy.
“This delay has left suppliers in a dire financial situation, further compounded by significant increases in the cost of raw materials.”.
It added, “The financial strain has made it nearly impossible for suppliers to sustain their operations, meet their own financial commitments, and continue supporting the government’s critical educational initiatives.”.
NAIS stated that even though they are ready to supply the government with the above goods, “urgent action is required to avert further financial distress among its members and to safeguard the continuity and success of the free SHS policy.”.
“The association calls on the government to urgently honour all outstanding payments owed to members, ensure that suppliers can sustain their operations, and continue contributing to Ghana’s educational sector.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
