Schools will not be closing down despite the ongoing issues with food suppliers who have been protesting at the National Food Buffer Stock Company over unpaid arrears, according to government communicator Ellen Ama Daaku.
She stated on July 6 that she does not believe schools will shut down. Daaku referred to a previous claim that the Ministry of Finance had not released money to the Buffer Stock Company, but the Ministry clarified that the funds had indeed been released.
She emphasized the need for the Buffer Stock to explain how the money was distributed and urged them to pay the suppliers.
Builsa South Member of Parliament Dr Clement Apaak expressed concerns that schools might close down if the food suppliers under the Free Senior High School Programme are not paid their arrears by the end of the week. He called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ensure the suppliers are paid to allow them to continue their business.
Dr Apaak questioned why the government has not released the funds, especially considering that critical sectors like education are protected under the IMF program. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that schools will be closed if nothing is done.
The food suppliers who were picketing stated that they were owed two years' arrears. Koku Amedume, a spokesperson for the National Food Suppliers Association, explained that the situation is causing significant pressure on them as they took loans from banks to meet the supply needs of the Buffer Stock.
Amedume highlighted their concerns about the interest accruing on the loans due to the nonpayment by Buffer Stock. The suppliers have spent the night at the premises of the Buffer Stock in protest, as they feel more comfortable there under the circumstances.
They emphasized that they have not been paid for two years' worth of supplies provided to the Buffer Stock.
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