The National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) has vowed to resist the Education Ministry’s proposed rebranding of public schools and the introduction of new school uniforms.
In a statement released on May 2, 2024, the association emphasized its determination to resist any government initiative that threatens the job security of its members.
Expressing deep concerns, the association highlighted the government’s recent move to centralize suppliers for both basic and senior high schools, which it argued adversely affects the businesses of its members.
According to the association, many of its members have suffered financial losses and have been forced out of business due to these policies.
“The fact remains that the Free SHS program 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”.
National Association of Institutional Suppliers, NAIS
Moreover, the association noted that the government must know that its membership of over 200 business owners is spread across all the regions of the country.
As such the association indicated that the associates, relatives, and other dependents of its members are voters and also Ghanaians who have the right to live.
The statement emphasized that any attempt by the Ministry of Education, this time, to introduce any policy that will go further to render the association’s members jobless will be fiercely resisted.
Furthermore, the association through the statement urged the government to bring the Minister of Education to order to refrain from the dubious contracts that benefit “only him and his cronies”.
The statement noted that Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum must remember that soon enough, the identities of all the companies he favors will be unveiled, and the relationships between the Minister and these companies will be uncovered too.
The association noted that the Ministry of Education’s delayed payments of arrears for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic years is proof of the Ministry’s refusal to pay heed to the plights of its members.
MoE Accused Of Contract Cancelation
Furthermore, the NAIS accused the Ministry of low price quota, cancellation of contracts with members, and centralization of awards for PE kits and stationery.
Recently, the Ministry of Education and the National Association of Institutional Suppliers (NAIS) have been engaged in a protracted tug-of-war over the supply of educational materials to schools.
The NAIS, which represents suppliers of educational materials, accused the Ministry of Education of unfairly favoring certain suppliers and manipulating the tendering process.
Moreover, the NAIS has alleged that the Ministry of Education has consistently awarded contracts to a select few suppliers, ignoring the interests of other qualified suppliers.
As such, the association claims the current situation has led to a lack of competition and innovation in the supply of educational materials, ultimately affecting the quality of education.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Education has defended its actions, stating that it follows strict procurement guidelines to ensure transparency and accountability.
The Ministry has also argued that it prioritizes suppliers who can provide high-quality materials at competitive prices, which is essential for effective learning outcomes.
Despite the assurance given by the Ministry of Education to resolve these issues, the NAIS remains skeptical, emphasizing that there are irregularities in the tendering process.
As such, the association has called for a more inclusive and transparent approach to procurement, which would allow more suppliers to participate and provide a wider range of educational materials.
The struggle between the Ministry of Education and the NAIS has significant implications for the education sector. If not resolved, it could lead to a shortage of essential educational materials, compromising the quality of education.
Moreover, the dispute undermines the confidence of suppliers in the procurement process, potentially discouraging innovation and investment in the sector.
The Ministry of Education and the NAIS are advised to engage in constructive dialogue, addressing the concerns of all stakeholders and ensuring transparency and accountability in the procurement process.
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