The Controlled Food Suppliers Association (CFSA) in Ghana has announced plans to picket the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX) in Accra for five days, starting from November 16, 2026. This decision comes after a two-week payment ultimatum, issued on October 7, 2026, expired without resolution. The association is seeking payment for food items supplied to senior high schools under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme in 2024.
According to the CFSA, its members, who supplied food to students under the Free SHS programme, are still waiting to be paid. The association had given GCX a two-week ultimatum to clear the debts, which expired on October 21, 2026, without the matter being settled. CFSA stated that its leadership had tried repeatedly to resolve the issue through other channels before deciding to protest.
The notice, signed by the association's Administrative Secretary, Cornelius Korku Logo, expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in payments despite persistent follow-ups. The group had acted patiently, but the apparent decision by GCX to disregard the Association's two weeks' notice compelled them to take further action. The CFSA is demanding the settlement of monies owed to its members.
The Free SHS programme provides meals to students across Ghana's senior high schools. This dispute marks the latest in a series of payment delays that have periodically strained relations between the government, the GCX, and suppliers who provide food for the scheme. The sources do not specify the total amount owed to CFSA members or who within government is responsible for clearing the arrears.
The planned five-day action aims to pressure the relevant authorities into settling the outstanding debts before the picket dates arrive. The CFSA stated that its leadership had acted in good faith throughout the process while pursuing payments legitimately owed to its members. The association hopes to draw attention to the issue and prompt a resolution.
The dispute highlights the challenges faced by suppliers participating in the Free SHS programme. Repeated delays in payments have affected the smooth implementation of the programme, which is a flagship welfare policy in Ghana. The CFSA's decision to picket GCX is a manifestation of the growing frustration among suppliers.
The picket is scheduled to take place from November 16 to 20, 2026, at the GCX in Accra. The CFSA is urging the relevant authorities to settle the outstanding debts to avoid the protest. Key stakeholders, including government officials and GCX management, are yet to comment on the impending action.
Key points
- Controlled Food Suppliers Association to picket GCX over unpaid 2024 debts
- Two-week payment ultimatum expired without resolution
- Free SHS programme faces challenges due to payment delays to suppliers
