Free SHS Suppliers Threaten Protest Over GH¢50 Million Government Debt
Suppliers under Ghana’s Free SHS programme threaten a picket at the Ministry of Education over unpaid debts reportedly exceeding GH¢50 million.
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A group of suppliers involved in Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme has threatened to stage a picket at the Ministry of Education over unpaid debts estimated at more than GH¢50 million.
The suppliers say they have delivered food, materials, and other essential services under government contracts but have not received payment for several months. According to them, the delays have severely affected their businesses, forcing many into financial difficulty.
The group claims repeated efforts to get the Ministry and relevant authorities to settle the arrears have not yielded results, despite multiple assurances in the past. They argue that the situation is threatening the sustainability of their operations and could disrupt future supply if urgent action is not taken.
Some of the affected suppliers say they are struggling to pay staff, service bank loans, and maintain operations due to the outstanding debts. They insist that without immediate payment or a clear repayment plan, they will have no option but to demonstrate at the Ministry of Education headquarters.
The Free SHS programme, introduced to expand access to secondary education in Ghana, relies heavily on suppliers for food distribution, logistics, and other operational support. Any disruption in the supply chain could potentially affect school feeding and general school operations.
Industry observers say delayed government payments to contractors and suppliers remain a recurring challenge in public procurement, often leading to disputes and industrial action threats.
The suppliers are calling on the government to urgently prioritize settlement of outstanding arrears to prevent escalation and ensure continued smooth operation of the Free SHS programme.
As of now, the Ministry of Education has not publicly responded to the latest threat of protest.
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