Ellen Ama Daaku, a member of the Government Communications team, has reassured the public that schools will not be closed due to the ongoing issues faced by food suppliers picketing at the National Food Buffer Stock Company over unpaid arrears.
During an appearance on the Big Issue on TV3, Daaku stated, “I do not think the schools are going to shut down.” This response came after concerns raised by Dr. Clement Apaak, the Member of Parliament for Builsa South, who suggested that schools might close down if the arrears owed to the Food Suppliers under the Free Senior High School Programme are not paid by the end of the week.
Dr. Apaak, who is also a ranking member of the parliamentary select committee on Education, called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ensure that the outstanding arrears are paid to allow the suppliers to continue their business operations.
He expressed confusion about why the government had not released the funds, especially considering that critical sectors like education are protected in the budget.
The food suppliers, who have been protesting at the NAFCO, claim to be owed two years’ worth of arrears. Koku Amedume, a spokesperson for the National Food Suppliers Association, stated that this situation is putting immense pressure on them as they had taken loans from banks to meet the supply needs of the Buffer Stock.
Amedume mentioned on the Ghana Tonight Show with Alfred Ocansey on TV3 that the suppliers preferred sleeping at the NAFCO premises rather than their homes due to the stress they face. They are also concerned about the interest accruing on their loans due to the nonpayment by NAFCO.
In summary, Ellen Ama Daaku from the Government Communications team believes that schools will not close down despite the food suppliers’ picketing and unpaid arrears. Dr. Clement Apaak raised concerns over the potential closure of schools if the arrears are not settled. The food suppliers claim to be owed two years’ worth of arrears and are facing financial pressures and loan interests.
Source – 3news.com
