Free SHS Food Suppliers Association appeals for overdue payments

The Association of Free SHS Food Suppliers has issued an urgent appeal to the government for the immediate settlement of outstanding payments owed for food supplies delivered since early 2024. Agnes Abedua, the president of the association, stated that the ongoing delay in payments has plunged many members into a severe financial crisis. These suppliers, who are responsible for providing essential meals to students under the government’s flagship educational programme, are now struggling to maintain their businesses as their operating capital remains locked up in unpaid arrears.

According to the association, the impact of the unpaid debt has moved beyond business challenges and has become a serious humanitarian concern. Abedua reported that several members are dealing with deteriorating health due to the extreme stress of mounting debts and an inability to afford necessary medical care. In some tragic instances, the association claims that members have lost family members because they lacked the funds required to pay for urgent medical treatments and hospital emergencies. The pressure from creditors and financial institutions has further exacerbated the mental and physical toll on these small business owners.

Beyond personal health and family stability, the suppliers are facing aggressive debt recovery efforts from their own lenders. Abedua highlighted that members are being hounded by creditors, which has damaged their creditworthiness and left them unable to provide for their own families despite having fulfilled their contractual duties to the state. The association emphasizes that they have continued to support the Free SHS initiative in good faith and are now asking the government to show similar commitment by ensuring the release of their long-overdue funds.

In their closing appeal, the association urged the current administration to prioritize these payments to prevent the total collapse of their businesses and livelihoods. They warned that the continued delay not only threatens the survival of hundreds of Ghanaian families but could also eventually disrupt the consistent food supply chain to senior high schools if no action is taken. The suppliers are calling for a transparent timeline for the release of funds to provide much-needed relief to their members and ensure the sustainability of their services.