In response to escalating concerns among the 2023/2024 National Service Scheme (NSS) personnel awaiting their monthly allowances, the NSS has urged patience, citing a delay in budget approval from Parliament.
Ambrose Entsiwah Junior, the Acting Head of Corporate Affairs for the National Service Scheme, explained that the disbursement of funds, including salaries and allowances, hinges on parliamentary approval of their budget. He emphasized the standard procedure of submitting budgets to Parliament for appropriation before funds are released.
Moreover, Entsiwah highlighted the implementation of a new metric app aimed at identifying and removing ‘unscrupulous individuals’ from the system. He noted that this additional step contributes to the time required to verify eligible individuals engaged in national service before allowance payments can commence.
The Acting Head of Corporate Affairs also attributed the delay to the ongoing process of reposting personnel. He explained the complexities involved in determining payment categories based on factors such as subvention status, location (school, town, or village), and other relevant details. Entsiwah stressed the need to finalize these reposting processes before initiating allowance payments.
While acknowledging the growing agitation among NSS personnel who began their service in November 2023, Entsiwah reassured that payments would be made once the necessary approvals and processes are completed. The NSS emphasized the importance of ensuring accuracy in identifying qualified individuals and their respective work locations before disbursing allowances.