The National Association of Institutional Suppliers has pledged to oppose the Education Ministry‘s proposed changes to public schools and the introduction of new school uniforms.
In a statement released on May 2, 2024, the association underscored its determination to push back against any government action that jeopardizes the job security of its members.
Expressing serious concerns, the association pointed out the government’s recent decision to centralize suppliers for both basic and senior high schools, a move they argue is detrimental to their businesses.
The association stated that many of its members have suffered financial setbacks and closures due to these policies.
The statement, signed by National Secretary Amoah Talhir, emphasized that while the Free SHS program aimed to ease financial burdens on parents, it should not come at the expense of small and medium-sized enterprises, as they allege is happening under the Ministry of Education’s directives.
“The fact remains that the Free SHS programme was meant to reduce the burden of parents but not to collapse small and medium scale businesses to add to the critical unemployment situation as being perpetuated by the Ministry of Education now. It is worth knowing that our membership of over 200 is spread across all the regions of the country.
“Our husbands, wives, workers, children, and other dependents are voters and also Ghanaians who have the right to live. Any attempt this time to introduce any policy that will go further to render our members jobless will be fiercely resisted.
“We urge the powers that be to bring the Minister to order to refrain from the dubious contracts that benefit only him and his cronies.
“He must remember that very soon, the masks of all such companies will be unveiled, and the relationships between the Minister and them will be uncovered too,” the statement read.
