Food suppliers serving Senior High Schools under the Free Senior High School policy have issued a two-week deadline to the government to initiate talks on a structured payment plan for an unpaid debt of approximately GH¢250 million.
The Controlled Food Suppliers Association (CFSA) warned that prolonged payment delays are crippling the operations, health, and livelihoods of its members, many of whom relied on high-interest commercial loans to fulfill their supply contracts.
Speaking at a news conference in Accra on Wednesday, CFSA President Danso Twumasi stated that the debt is non-negotiable as the figures have already undergone complete reconciliation between the association and state institutions.
“The Food Suppliers Association therefore call on the seat of government, the ministry responsible for education, the ministry responsible for finance, the National Buffer Stock Company Limited, the Ghana Commodity Exchange and all other relevant authorities to urgently engage with the association and provide clarity on the settlement of other obligations,” he said.
“The outstanding amount have already been reconciled and are not in dispute,” he stressed.
The leadership of the group is insisting on immediate and transparent dialogue with official representatives of all affected suppliers to outline a realistic, time-bound framework for debt clearance. They are also demanding clear communication regarding implementation schedules, designated responsible agencies, and due consideration for the heavy financial losses incurred by suppliers due to delayed payments.
Despite the firm deadline, the association expressed readiness to resolve the standoff through administrative dialogue rather than confrontation.
“We remain committed to dialogue and believe that this matter can be resolved through constructive engagement between suppliers and the relevant authorities,” Mr Twumasi said.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
