National Service personnel across the country can breathe a collective sigh of relief as the Director-General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Felix Gyamfi, has given strong assurances that a substantial increase in their current monthly allowance is on the horizon.
Speaking on 3FM Sunrise with Helen Appiah-Ampofo on Wednesday, April 2nd, Gyamfi acknowledged the inadequacy of the current GHC715 stipend and revealed that President John Mahama is actively engaged in finding a viable solution to address the financial challenges faced by service personnel.
This announcement from the director comes amidst growing concerns and persistent calls from service personnel who are struggling to cope with the escalating cost of living and rampant inflation.
The current allowance, many argue, barely covers basic necessities, making it increasingly difficult for young graduates to effectively serve the nation.
“The current allowance (GHC715), I must say, is inadequate. Discussions with the government are ongoing to adjust the GHC715 stipend to a more sustainable figure that can cushion our (Service Personnel) in these challenging times,” Gyamfi stated emphatically, offering a glimmer of hope to the thousands of young Ghanaians dedicating a year of their lives to national service.
While the exact figure of the proposed increment remains undisclosed, Gyamfi’s commitment to a “more sustainable figure” suggests a significant adjustment aimed at providing a more realistic and supportive allowance that aligns with the present economic realities.
SEE ALSO: NSA Outlines Monthly Allowance Payment Schedule for Service Personnel
The NSA Director-General further emphasized the importance of ensuring the well-being and security of service personnel throughout their national service period.
He issued a directive to all District Managers of the Authority, urging them to prioritize the accommodation needs of those posted to their respective districts.
“District Managers should go back to getting accommodations for Service Personnel who are posted to their districts,” Gyamfi instructed, acknowledging the difficulties faced by many service personnel in finding suitable and affordable accommodation, particularly in urban areas.
The National Service Scheme, established decades ago, plays a crucial role in deploying skilled manpower across various sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, and public administration.
These young graduates contribute significantly to the delivery of essential services, often in underserved communities, bridging gaps and supplementing the workforce.
SEE ALSO: National Service Posting and Placement Criteria – Check Here
However, the impact of the NSS has been hampered in recent years by the inadequacy of the allowance, which has failed to keep pace with the rising cost of living.
This has led to widespread discontent among service personnel, many of whom have been forced to rely on family support or seek supplementary income to make ends meet.
This situation not only undermines the morale of service personnel but also impacts their ability to fully dedicate themselves to their assigned roles.
The government’s willingness to address this issue through an allowance increase signals a renewed commitment to empowering young graduates and recognizing their crucial role in national development.
The move is expected to not only improve the living standards of service personnel but also to boost their morale and productivity, leading to a more effective and impactful National Service Scheme.
SEE ALSO: 2025 Budget: Key Policy Initiatives and Monetary Allocations – Check Here
During the interview, the NSA Director-General also touched upon President Mahama’s ambitious plan to introduce short military training for National Service Personnel, a proposal that was first unveiled during the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 27th.
“Discussions are ongoing, and we are hoping to begin this year,” Gyamfi stated, confirming the government’s commitment to implementing this initiative.
He noted that the rationale behind this initiative is to instill a sense of fitness and discipline among young people serving the country.
“The short military training is envisioned as a supplementary program that will equip service personnel with essential skills and values, fostering a stronger sense of patriotism and civic responsibility” he asserted.
While details of the proposed military training program remain scarce, it is anticipated that it will involve basic military drills, physical fitness exercises, and lectures on national security and civic education.
The program is expected to be conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces, leveraging their expertise and resources to provide a high-quality training experience.