Education Crisis Deepens; Teachers’ Strike Enters 13th Day, Free SHS Suppliers Demand GH¢250 million, Gov’t Cash-Strapped

Ghana’s education sector is sliding deeper into crisis as a nationwide teachers’ strike over unpaid allowances and other entitlements enters its 13th day today.

Basic and Senior High Schools ( SHS) across the country remain shut, classrooms are empty, and parents are increasingly anxious. Teachers say they have still not received overdue allowances and entitlements despite repeated government promises.

The government appears to be struggling to find the money to pay them. At a school in Accra, one teacher said the strike would continue until the arrears are cleared.

Parents and students are fearful. With no classes, many parents worry about lost learning time and are paying for extra lessons they can barely afford.

Food suppliers
The crisis has been compounded by food suppliers under the Free SHS programme, who are demanding immediate payment of GH¢250 million.

The Controlled Food Suppliers Association (CFSA) said its members are owed for food items supplied to senior high schools during the 2024/2025 academic year. The supplies were made through the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX), according to the association.

CFSA President Danso Twumasi said the prolonged delay in payments has placed suppliers under severe financial pressure and affected their well-being.

The association added that the outstanding amounts have already been reconciled and are not in dispute. It has threatened action if payment is not made within two weeks.

Pressure
With the government under pressure, officials are holding emergency meetings to find funds, but every option appears to create a new problem.

Educationists warn that the longer the strike lasts, the greater the damage to a generation of learners. The government is urging unions to return to negotiations, but teachers remain firm: no pay, no work.