The National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) continues to raise concerns over the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy in Ghana.
They contend that the way the policy has been executed is adversely affecting their businesses.
The Association, responsible for supplying school uniforms, house dress, and church clothes for SHS schools, has been grappling with unpaid arrears from the government for the past two years.
The Public Relations Officer (P.R.O) of NAIS, Emmanuel Ayivor, announced plans to picket at the Ministry of Education until payment is made. He said they came to this decision due to the detrimental effects the policy has had on their members.
Speaking in an interview on 3FM Sunrise Morning Show, on February 1, he expressed dissatisfaction with the Minister of Education’s response during their recent meeting. He further stated that the market has slowed down due to corrupt practices in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) within the supply chain, whereby supplies are being provided by persons with partisans affiliations.
NAIS therefore called on the government to address the persistent issue of unpaid arrears from 2021, 2022 and 2023 academic years and to formalize arrangement for 2024.
Mr Ayivor further urged President Akufo-Addo to expedite payments to ensure the survival of their businesses. He concluded that the Free SHS policy is beneficial but its implementation needs to be reviewed.
By Joselyn Kafui Nyadzi – 3FM
