By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Some aggrieved food suppliers who picketed at the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCo) premises in July 2023 to demand the payment of outstanding arrears for food supplied to various senior high schools across the country in the past two years have returned to premises to demand their outstanding arrears after the 17th August 2023 deadline expired yesterday.
The suppliers began days of picketing at the NAFCo premises in July 2023 after months of appealing to the government for their arrears to be paid to help them continue to be in business failed.
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr. Bryan Acheampong, had given assurances that the suppliers would be paid on July 17, 2023.
However, the suppliers were later told that the Buffer Stock Company had instead received payment from the Ministry of Finance on that date. When the money finally reached their accounts, it was only a partial payment.
The suppliers were further assured that the remaining payment would be made on August 17, 2023.
The August 17, 2023 deadline has prompted the suppliers to besiege the NAFCo premises.
According to the suppliers, they are struggling due to current economic challenges, and outstanding payments are essential for them to stay in business.
They are calling on the government to fulfill its promise and make the full payment as soon as possible.
