The Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), Osei Assibey Antwi, has announced that plans are underway to increase the monthly allowance for national service personnel in the upcoming batch.
Currently set at GH¢559, the NSS Director acknowledges the need to adjust the allowance to a more substantial amount due to the prevailing economic crisis.
Antwi revealed that discussions are ongoing between the NSS management and the government to ensure that the increase is implemented.
He expressed optimism that President Nana Akufo-Addo, who had previously raised the allowance to GH¢559, will once again take steps to address the issue.
The Deputy Executive Director of the Ghana National Service Scheme (General Services), Gifty Oware-Aboagye, confirmed that the central government has already given its approval for the increment of the national service allowance.
As NSS personnel are paid through government funds, Oware-Aboagye hinted that the allowance might be raised in the coming year.
She further explained that the Finance Ministry determines the monthly allowances, which are calculated from the date the personnel report to their assigned posts. These allowances are then disbursed throughout the service year.
In response to the country’s worsening economic situation, the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has also called for an increase in the national service allowance.
See also: NSS Self-posting is a punishable offense – Mr. Emmanuel Kwofie
The student union, during a discussion with President Nana Akufo-Addo, emphasized the need to raise the allowance from GH¢559 to GH¢800 in the next academic year.
NUGS highlighted the rising costs of transportation and general expenses faced by prospective national service personnel as reasons for their request.
With the government’s approval already secured, it is expected that the allowance will be raised in the upcoming batch, providing much-needed relief to the personnel.