They argue that the way the policy has been implemented is harming their businesses.
For the last two years, the Association, which is responsible for distributing school uniforms, house dress, and church attire to SHS schools, has been dealing with outstanding government arrears.
NAIS’s Public Relations Officer (P.R.O), Emmanuel Ayivor, has declared preparations to picket the Ministry of Education until payment is paid. He stated that they made this choice based on the negative consequences the policy had on their members.
In an interview with 3FM Sunrise Morning Show on February 1, he voiced discontent with the Minister of Education’s attitude to their previous meeting. He went on to say that the market has slowed as a result of dishonest activities in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) along the supply chain, where goods are given by people with party affiliations.
NAIS consequently called on the government to resolve the continuing issue of payment arrears from the academic years 2021, 2022, and 2023, as well as to formalise arrangements for 2024.
Mr Ayivor also requested President Akufo-Addo to accelerate payments to protect the survival of their enterprises, concluding that while the Free SHS programme is excellent, its execution needs to be examined.
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