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The National Service Scheme (NSS) has come under scrutiny following its recent announcement of a new decade-long policy to send personnel to various foreign countries, including Nigeria, the UK, and the US. Critics have raised concerns about the NSS deviating from its core mandate and neglecting issues such as personnel allowances.
In response to the backlash, Ambrose Esaah, Director of Corporate Affairs at the NSS, defended the initiative, citing it as an opportunity for personnel to participate in exchange programs similar to those conducted by universities. Esaah emphasized the potential for personnel to gain insights and skills from international experiences, which could benefit Ghana upon their return.
Meanwhile, the Parliament’s Education Committee disclosed plans for a collaboration with the Gambian government to deploy national service personnel to The Gambia. This initiative, supported by funding from the World Bank and the Gambian government, aims to address unemployment and enhance educational exchanges between the two countries.
Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, ranking member of the committee, clarified that the recent passage of the National Service Authority Bill 2024 enables such international deployments, though concerns about brain drain have been raised. Nortsu-Kotoe assured that the financial burden would not fall on the Ghanaian government, as funding for these programs would be provided externally.
Furthermore, amendments proposed under the bill include the removal of age limits for national service participation, allowing individuals over 40 to volunteer for service or apply for exemption based on personal choice.
The NSS continues to face mixed reactions to its international deployment policy, with ongoing discussions expected to shape its implementation moving forward.
