Ministry of Education to Clear GH¢50 Million Debt to Free SHS Suppliers and Boost School Infrastructure

The Ghanaian government has committed to clearing outstanding arrears owed to suppliers under the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme, with payments set to commence next week. This announcement follows a picketing exercise at the Ministry of Education by the National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS), who are demanding nearly GH¢50 million for goods, including uniforms and house dresses, supplied since 2023. The financial delays have placed a severe strain on these suppliers, many of whom have had to rely on bank loans to sustain their operations while waiting for the government to fulfill its obligations.

NAIS President Emmanuel Ayivor confirmed that a first tranche of approximately GH¢38 million is already ready for disbursement. According to Ayivor, the Education Minister received the association's petition and provided assurances that the remaining balance would be processed through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund). The government aims to have all outstanding debts settled by the end of the month, a move expected to provide significant relief to the affected businesses and ensure the continued stability of the Free SHS supply chain.

In addition to addressing financial arrears, the government is intensifying efforts to tackle classroom infrastructure deficits. In the Ashaiman Municipality, public schools recently received 1,200 furniture sets to improve teaching and learning conditions. Member of Parliament Ernest Norgbey and Municipal Chief Executive Freeman Tsekpo highlighted that this distribution is part of a strategic plan to phase out the shift system in local schools. The Ashaiman Municipal Assembly is also planning the construction of additional classroom blocks to provide more permanent solutions to the current infrastructure shortages.

Similar infrastructure challenges have been raised by authorities at Aburi Girls’ Senior High School and Adonten Senior High School in the Eastern Region. During a recent visit, school leaders appealed for urgent expansions to address overcrowding in dormitories and classrooms resulting from increased student enrollment. In response, the government indicated that these needs are being considered under a broader $300 million initiative aimed at enhancing SHS infrastructure nationwide. These combined efforts in funding and physical development reflect a multifaceted approach to maintaining the quality and accessibility of secondary education in Ghana.