The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has been called upon to promptly resolve the various issues associated with the implementation of the free Senior High School (SHS) programme. Dr Clement Apaak, the Builsa South lawmaker, made this call in light of recent protests by food suppliers who are demanding payment for the arrears owed to them by the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO).
The National Food Suppliers Association’s spokesperson, Koku Amedume, expressed concern over the mounting pressure faced by suppliers who have taken loans from banks to meet the supply demands of the Buffer Stock. The suppliers, who spent the night picketing at NAFCO’s premises as part of their demonstration, find themselves more comfortable sleeping there than at their homes due to the financial strain they are experiencing.
Amedume highlighted the suppliers’ worries regarding the accumulating interest on their loans caused by the nonpayment from NAFCO. He questioned why the government has failed to release funds to pay the Buffer Stock food suppliers, given that critical sectors like education and health, including social intervention programs, are protected even under the IMF program. According to Amedume, the outstanding amount owed to the suppliers is not even in excess of GHS300 million, raising concerns about the government’s handling of funds allocated to finance the Free SHS policy.
Dr Apaak, speaking on the Ghana Tonight Show with Alfred Ocansey on TV3, emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that schools could face closure if the outstanding payments are not made. He called on President Akufo-Addo to take immediate action to prevent such a scenario, urging the government to fulfill its financial obligations to the food suppliers.
The Free SHS policy, introduced by the Akufo-Addo administration, has been a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to provide accessible education to Ghanaian students. However, the recent protests by food suppliers highlight the challenges faced in ensuring the smooth implementation of the program. The nonpayment of arrears to suppliers not only puts pressure on their businesses but also raises concerns about the sustainability of the Free SHS policy in the long run.
It is essential for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration to swiftly address these issues and ensure that all outstanding payments are made to the food suppliers. Timely action will not only alleviate the financial burdens faced by the suppliers but also prevent any disruptions to the functioning of schools. The successful implementation of the Free SHS program relies on the cooperation and support of all stakeholders involved, and addressing these challenges is crucial to maintaining its integrity and effectiveness.
