Accra, Ghana – The National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) has issued a stark warning that students under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy may soon be burdened with the cost of their own uniforms and essential items. This comes amidst mounting concerns over the government’s accumulated debt to suppliers for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic years, which runs into millions of Ghana Cedis.

In a joint statement, NAIS President Emmanuel Ayivor and Secretary James Kudozia expressed frustration over the government’s failure to fulfill its financial obligations despite consistent service delivery from suppliers.

“This delay has left suppliers in a dire financial situation, further compounded by significant increases in the cost of raw materials,” the statement read. “The financial strain has made it nearly impossible for suppliers to sustain their operations and meet their own financial commitments.”

The association emphasized the critical role of suppliers in supporting the success of the Free SHS policy. They urged the government to prioritize the payment of outstanding arrears to ensure the continued provision of essential goods and services to students.

Key Concerns:

• Financial Hardship for Suppliers: The delayed payments are severely impacting the financial stability of suppliers, threatening their ability to continue supporting the Free SHS program.
• Rising Costs: The increasing cost of raw materials further exacerbates the financial challenges faced by suppliers.
• Potential Disruption to Free SHS: If the situation persists, students may be forced to bear the cost of uniforms and other essential items, undermining the core principle of the Free SHS policy.

The NAIS has called upon the government to take immediate action to address this critical issue and ensure the continued success of the Free SHS program.