Education Minister Gives One-Week Deadline To Clear GH¢50m Free SHS Supplier Arrears
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has directed that outstanding arrears owed to suppliers under the Free Senior High School programme be resolved within one week.
This follows a protest by members of the National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) over delayed payments.
The suppliers staged a picketing exercise at the Ministry of Education on today (11th June, 2026), demanding payment of about GH¢50 million for goods supplied to public senior high schools since 2023.
The items include uniforms, house dresses and other essential supplies distributed under the Free SHS policy.
During a meeting with the group, the Minister acknowledged their grievances and admitted that the delays in payment had placed significant pressure on their operations.
“You are free to express your displeasure when government does not meet its obligations on time,” he told the suppliers, noting that their concerns were valid.
He assured them that government would move quickly to resolve the matter, stating that the process of clearing the arrears would be prioritised.
“I give you my word and assurance that within a week we should be able to honour it,” Mr. Iddrisu said
The Minister further indicated that the outstanding commitments cover supplies delivered in both 2023 and 2024, adding that the total financial exposure may be higher than the initial estimate presented by the suppliers.
He proposed that all claims undergo proper audit and validation to confirm delivery records and invoices before payments are made.
As part of the process, he directed representatives of the suppliers to engage the Ministry’s Chief Director and Finance Directorate to ensure proper documentation and faster processing of claims.
According to him, the government is committed to addressing the issue in a transparent manner while ensuring accountability in public spending.
The NAIS has been pressing for payment of arrears for several months, arguing that the delays have disrupted their businesses despite continued supply of goods to schools.
The latest assurance is expected to ease tensions as both parties move toward verification and settlement of the outstanding debts.
