The concerned members of the National Association of Institutional Suppliers have threatened to picket at the premises of the Ministry of Education (MoE) over unpaid arrears.
According to the Suppliers who provide essential services to educational institutions across
Ghana, the government owes them outstanding payments for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic years and thus expecting full payment of those arrears in two weeks.
“In our steadfast commitment to fostering education, our member suppliers entered into contracts with the Ministry of Education through the heads of the various public schools for the supply of essential materials and services. Unfortunately, the Ministry’s failure to settle outstanding payments for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic years has created a severe financial strain on our members.” The suppliers stated in the press statement available to this portal.
The statement further said, a lot of the suppliers “resorted to securing bank loans specifically to fulfil their contractual commitments with the Ministry of Education.”
However, “The mounting pressure from financial institutions and the compounding interests are exacerbating and therefore are giving the government a 14-day ultimatum to pay the arrears in full else they are going to embark on picketing at the MoE.
“In response to these pressing circumstances, the Concern Members of National Association of Institutional Suppliers issues a stern 14-day ultimatum to the government to do the following:
1. We demand the immediate settlement of all outstanding arrears for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic years.
2. We call for a reconsideration of contracts terminated due to financial challenges of existing suppliers.
3. That the ministry should invite suppliers to agree on payment terms for the 2023/2024 academic years’ supplies.
Should the government fail to meet our demands within the stipulated 14-day period, we regretfully announce our intention to commence UNIQUE PICKETING at the Ministry of Education. This action aims to draw attention to the dire situation faced by our members and to ensure that the necessary measures are taken to rectify this issue promptly.” The suppliers said in the presser.
“We call on stakeholders, the public and concerned citizens to stand with us in advocating for a swift and fair resolution to this matter.” They added.
Check out the full press statement below
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com / Joseph Marfo
