The Controlled Food Suppliers Association (CFSA) in Ghana has announced plans to stage a five-day demonstration at the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX) in Accra. The protest, scheduled from November 16 to 20, 2026, is over unpaid arrears for food supplied to senior high schools under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme in 2024. The association claims that despite repeated attempts, the GCX and relevant authorities have failed to settle the outstanding monies owed to its members.
According to the CFSA, a two-week ultimatum issued on October 7, 2026, lapsed on October 21 without the outstanding amounts being settled. The association had made repeated attempts to secure payment, including engaging with the GCX management, but to no avail. The CFSA's Administrative Secretary, Cornelius Korku Logo, signed a formal notice to the GCX management, stating that the prolonged delay and lack of an adequate response left the association with no option but to demonstrate.
The dispute between the CFSA and the GCX dates back to the 2024/2025 academic year when the association's members supplied food to senior high schools through the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and the Ghana Commodity Exchange. The association estimates the outstanding debt at about GH¢250 million. The suppliers claim that many financed the supplies through bank loans and produce purchased on credit from farmers, and the delayed payments have left them unable to repay those loans or settle their obligations to farmers.
The CFSA is seeking immediate settlement of the outstanding payments owed to its members, a clear and time-bound payment schedule, and transparent engagement with the Presidency, the Ministries of Education and Finance, NAFCO, GCX, and other relevant institutions. The association also wants clarity on the institutions responsible for implementing the payment plan. According to the CFSA, the amounts have been reconciled and are not in dispute.
The planned picketing by the CFSA adds pressure on government institutions over delayed payments to contractors and suppliers under the Free SHS programme. The suppliers argue that the arrears are affecting their livelihoods, health, and ability to remain in business, while also creating a ripple effect for farmers and financial institutions that financed the supplies.
The demonstration is expected to run daily at the GCX premises in Accra from November 16 to 20, unless the parties reach a resolution before then. The CFSA maintains that it has acted in good faith in demanding the monies legitimately owed to its members. The association's leadership has engaged with NAFCO and GCX in April 2026, written to the Ministry of Education in July, and later followed up with the Ministry of Finance, but claims it has not received a clear payment plan.
The Free SHS programme has been a flagship initiative of the Ghanaian government, aimed at providing free education to senior high school students. However, the programme has faced several challenges, including delayed payments to suppliers. The CFSA's protest highlights the need for the government to prioritize timely payments to contractors and suppliers to ensure the smooth implementation of the programme.
Key points
- Controlled Food Suppliers Association to stage a five-day demonstration at Ghana Commodity Exchange over unpaid arrears.
- Association estimates outstanding debt at GH¢250 million.
- Suppliers claim delayed payments have affected their livelihoods, health, and ability to remain in business.
