The Controlled Food Suppliers Association (CFSA) has given the government a two-week deadline to begin negotiations on a clear payment plan for about GH¢250 million owed to suppliers under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.

The association says the outstanding debt relates to food supplies delivered to Senior High Schools across the country during the 2024/2025 academic year.

According to the suppliers, the food items were supplied through the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX), but payments remain outstanding despite the completion of the deliveries.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, October 10, President of the Controlled Food Suppliers Association, Danso Twumasi, said the prolonged delay had placed significant financial and personal strain on affected suppliers.

The association is demanding urgent engagement with the government, particularly the ministries responsible for Education and Finance, as well as NAFCO, GCX and other relevant institutions.

It said the outstanding amounts had already been reconciled and were not in dispute, and therefore called for immediate discussions on how the debt 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,” Mr Twumasi said.

The suppliers are also demanding a feasible and time-bound payment schedule, together with clear communication on the implementation of the plan, including the timeline and institutions responsible for making the payments.

The association warned that it would decide on its next course of action after the two-week deadline if the government fails to engage and provide a concrete roadmap for settling the outstanding arrears.