Free SHS food suppliers give govt two-week ultimatum over GH¢250m arrears
The Controlled Food Suppliers Association (CFSA) has given the government a two-week deadline to engage its members over a payment schedule for about GH¢250 million owed for food supplies delivered to Senior High Schools under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.
The association said the outstanding payments relate to food items supplied during the 2024/2025 academic year through the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX).
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, October 10, President of the association, Danso Twumasi, said the prolonged delay in settling the arrears had placed significant financial and personal strain on suppliers.
Mr Twumasi said suppliers had fulfilled their obligations by delivering the required food items, but were yet to receive payment for the supplies.
He called on the government and relevant state institutions to urgently meet with the affected suppliers and provide clarity on when the outstanding obligations would be settled.
“The Controlled Food Suppliers Association calls on the seat of government, the ministry responsible for education, the ministry responsible for finance, the National Buffer Stock Company Limited, the Ghana Community Exchange and all other relevant authorities to urgently engage with the association and provide clarity on the settlement of other obligations.
“The outstanding amounts have already been reconciled and are not in dispute. We therefore call for an immediate and transparent engagement with representatives of the affected supply.
“We also call for a feasible and time-bound payment plan for the settlement of the outstanding obligation and clear communication on the implementation of the payment plan, including the timeline and responsible institutions.”
The association said it expects the government to use the two-week period to commence meaningful negotiations and establish a clear and practical payment timeline.