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Tag: NSS

  • Employing staff without National Service certificates is illegal – NSA to employers

    Employing staff without National Service certificates is illegal – NSA to employers

    The National Service Authority (NSA) has warned employers against hiring individuals without a valid National Service certificate, which confirms completion of the mandatory National Service programme.

    Addressing the media on Monday, April 20, the Deputy Director-General in charge of Operations, Lieutenant Colonel Moses Dok Nach Kpeungu, stated that the practice is against the laws of the country.

    He added that such employers flouting the law risk sanctions. He stated, “It is an offence, or it’s a crime to employ somebody without a national service certificate”. 

    He urged employers and workers to ensure full compliance with the National Service requirement to avoid sanctions and promote adherence to the law. Under Ghanaian law, tertiary graduates aged 18 and above are required to undergo a mandatory one-year National Service programme in either the public or private sector, depending on their deployment by the National Service Authority. 

    The initiative was established in 1973 under the Ministry of Education to bridge the gap between education and employment while fostering nation-building.

    Meanwhile, close to 100,000 personnel have been deployed to both public and private sector institutions for the 2026/2027 national service year. In a related development, Chief Executive Officer of the National Service Authority, Ruth Dela Seddoh, has revealed plans to roll out a nationwide military orientation programme for National Service personnel by July 2026.

    The announcement was made at a ceremony hosted by TDC Ghana Ltd to graduate National Service personnel who had completed a two-week intensive military boot camp at the 1BN, Michel Camp.

    She explained that the programme seeks to promote discipline, build patriotism, and enhance the physical fitness of young graduates.”I am happy to announce that management and board of the national service authority are putting things together, to get the program started on a national scale latest by July 2026,” Madam Ruth Dela Seddoh indicated.

    She further noted that the military orientation for NSPs forms part of a newly introduced model by the National Service Authority designed to promote discipline and nationalism among service personnel.

    The orientation programme is intended to build discipline, encourage national pride, improve physical fitness, develop leadership abilities, enhance time management, and equip personnel with essential emergency response skills.

    She also praised the Managing Director of TDC Ghana Ltd, Courage Makafui Nunekpeku, along with his management team for the initiative, urging other institutions to adopt similar approaches.

    In total, 40 personnel completed the programme, made up of 22 males and 18 females. Sharing a word at the ceremony, Mr Nunekpeku encouraged the graduates to make meaningful contributions, urging them to stand out through their leadership and impact.

    The late Minister of Defence, Edward Omane Boamah, clarified that the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme, which was scheduled to begin within weeks, would be optional rather than mandatory.

    “10,000 national service volunteers were expected to kick-start this initiative with plans to increase the numbers substantially next year. They’re volunteers. It is not compulsory,” the minister said.

    Speaking to the media on July 21 as part of the government’s accountability series, he explained that the basic military and emergency response training formed a six-week orientation programme, which was planned to run in two batches from August to October that year.

    The training areas were outlined to include basic military orientation, first aid, basic life support, disaster or fire management, nationalism and patriotism, loyalty and discipline, leadership, mentorship, and physical training, among others.

    The programme, which was under discussion between the National Service Authority (NSA) and the Military High Command at the time, was aimed at equipping service personnel with foundational military drills and instilling a sense of national duty.

    At a high-level meeting held on April 23, the Director-General of the NSA, Felix Gyamfi, described the initiative as crucial for nurturing patriotism and resilience among the youth.

    “The introduction of this military training is a step in the right direction and must be embraced by all and sundry as one of the indicators for resetting the country, particularly the youth,” Gyamfi noted.

    He further confirmed that all National Service Personnel (NSPs) were expected to undergo basic military drills and orientation during their service, describing the programme as a key element of national development and identity building.

    Representing the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier General Amoah-Boakye affirmed the military’s full commitment to the initiative and assured the NSA of its readiness to support and implement the training upon its rollout.

    The initiative reflected the vision of President John Dramani Mahama, who had outlined the programme during his maiden State of the Nation Address to Parliament on February 27, 2025. It formed part of a broader agenda to instill discipline, national pride, and physical preparedness among graduates.

    “To achieve a legally robust regime to govern National Service, I have also tasked the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment to coordinate and present to Parliament a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to support the implementation of the newly passed National Service Authority Act 2024 (Act 1119),” President Mahama stated.

    Ghana was noted to have joined countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and China, which had incorporated some form of military training into their national service systems. These models ranged from mandatory conscription in places like Russia to more limited or symbolic forms of service, as seen in the United States.

    The NSERRP initiative was expected to provide practical survival and leadership skills to service personnel while fostering a stronger sense of duty and discipline among the country’s youth.

    Further legal and operational frameworks were to be detailed in the forthcoming Legislative Instrument. Separately, the National Service Authority (NSA) announced the release of PIN codes for 132,393 prospective national service personnel ahead of the 2025/2026 service year.

    This was contained in a press release issued by the Authority on June 17, which indicated that the intake had declined by an average of 26% compared to the previous three years, including a 36% drop recorded in the 2022/2023 period.

    The NSA disclosed that it had received 135,990 submissions from 122 tertiary institutions, out of which 3,597 were pending verification due to accreditation issues.

    “This figure is part of a total of 135,990 final-year Ghanaian students submitted by 122 tertiary institutions across the country. However, 3,597 of these submissions, representing graduates from 22 institutions, had not been processed, as those institutions were not accredited and remained unknown to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC),” the statement added.

    Affected institutions were given a 30-day period to resolve their accreditation challenges with GTEC, while 908 PIN codes for private applicants remained pending final verification.

    Prospective service personnel were required to activate their PIN codes by paying GHS 40 at any ADB Bank Ltd branch or GHS 41 via MTN Mobile Money before proceeding with registration on the NSA portal.

    As part of efforts to enhance transparency, the NSA introduced new enrolment features, including mandatory facial biometric verification linked to Ghana Card data and the submission of verified Ghana Post GPS addresses to aid in postings.

    The National Service Authority, established in 1973 under the Ministry of Education, remained mandated to deploy skilled manpower from tertiary institutions to support national development in both the public and private sectors.

    Meanwhile, the Presidency Communications Office had announced the rollout of the Government Accountability Series, which began on July 14. The initiative was designed to promote transparency, with sector ministers providing updates on their performance three times a week.

    The series was inaugurated by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who also served as the Minister responsible for National Security.

    The initiative fulfilled President Mahama’s commitment to accountability during his second term, having earlier directed his appointees to remain answerable to the Ghanaian public.

  • Nearly 100k personnel deployed nationwide for 2026/27 National Service year

    Nearly 100k personnel deployed nationwide for 2026/27 National Service year

    Close to 100,000 personnel have been deployed to both public and private sector institutions by the National Service Authority (NSA) for the 2026/2027 national service year.

    The Deputy Director-General of the Authority, Moses Dok Nach Kpeungu, made this public on Monday, April 20, while addressing the media.

    He said, “If you look at the Authority at the moment, we deployed almost 10,000. The current figure stands at about 99,508, and that includes the recently posted nurses”.

    In a related development, Chief Executive Officer of the National Service Authority, Ruth Dela Seddoh, has revealed plans to roll out a nationwide military orientation programme for National Service personnel by July 2026.


    The announcement was made at a ceremony hosted by TDC Ghana Ltd to graduate National Service personnel who had completed a two-week intensive military boot camp at the 1BN, Michel Camp.


    She explained that the programme seeks to promote discipline, build patriotism, and enhance the physical fitness of young graduates.
    “I am happy to announce that management and board of the national service authority are putting things together, to get the program started on a national scale latest by July 2026,” Madam Ruth Dela Seddoh indicated.


    She further noted that the military orientation for NSPs forms part of a newly introduced model by the National Service Authority designed to promote discipline and nationalism among service personnel.


    The orientation programme is intended to build discipline, encourage national pride, improve physical fitness, develop leadership abilities, enhance time management, and equip personnel with essential emergency response skills.


    She also praised the Managing Director of TDC Ghana Ltd, Courage Makafui Nunekpeku, along with his management team for the initiative, urging other institutions to adopt similar approaches.


    In total, 40 personnel completed the programme, made up of 22 males and 18 females. Sharing a word at the ceremony, Mr Nunekpeku encouraged the graduates to make meaningful contributions, urging them to stand out through their leadership and impact.


    The late Minister of Defence, Edward Omane Boamah, clarified that the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme, which was scheduled to begin within weeks, would be optional rather than mandatory.


    “10,000 national service volunteers were expected to kick-start this initiative with plans to increase the numbers substantially next year. They’re volunteers. It is not compulsory,” the minister said.


    Speaking to the media on July 21 as part of the government’s accountability series, he explained that the basic military and emergency response training formed a six-week orientation programme, which was planned to run in two batches from August to October that year.


    The training areas were outlined to include basic military orientation, first aid, basic life support, disaster or fire management, nationalism and patriotism, loyalty and discipline, leadership, mentorship, and physical training, among others.


    The programme, which was under discussion between the National Service Authority (NSA) and the Military High Command at the time, was aimed at equipping service personnel with foundational military drills and instilling a sense of national duty.


    At a high-level meeting held on April 23, the Director-General of the NSA, Felix Gyamfi, described the initiative as crucial for nurturing patriotism and resilience among the youth.


    “The introduction of this military training is a step in the right direction and must be embraced by all and sundry as one of the indicators for resetting the country, particularly the youth,” Gyamfi noted.


    He further confirmed that all National Service Personnel (NSPs) were expected to undergo basic military drills and orientation during their service, describing the programme as a key element of national development and identity building.


    Representing the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier General Amoah-Boakye affirmed the military’s full commitment to the initiative and assured the NSA of its readiness to support and implement the training upon its rollout.


    The initiative reflected the vision of President John Dramani Mahama, who had outlined the programme during his maiden State of the Nation Address to Parliament on February 27, 2025. It formed part of a broader agenda to instill discipline, national pride, and physical preparedness among graduates.


    “To achieve a legally robust regime to govern National Service, I have also tasked the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment to coordinate and present to Parliament a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to support the implementation of the newly passed National Service Authority Act 2024 (Act 1119),” President Mahama stated.


    Ghana was noted to have joined countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and China, which had incorporated some form of military training into their national service systems. These models ranged from mandatory conscription in places like Russia to more limited or symbolic forms of service, as seen in the United States.


    The NSERRP initiative was expected to provide practical survival and leadership skills to service personnel while fostering a stronger sense of duty and discipline among the country’s youth.

    Further legal and operational frameworks were to be detailed in the forthcoming Legislative Instrument. Separately, the National Service Authority (NSA) announced the release of PIN codes for 132,393 prospective national service personnel ahead of the 2025/2026 service year.


    This was contained in a press release issued by the Authority on June 17, which indicated that the intake had declined by an average of 26% compared to the previous three years, including a 36% drop recorded in the 2022/2023 period.


    The NSA disclosed that it had received 135,990 submissions from 122 tertiary institutions, out of which 3,597 were pending verification due to accreditation issues.


    “This figure is part of a total of 135,990 final-year Ghanaian students submitted by 122 tertiary institutions across the country. However, 3,597 of these submissions, representing graduates from 22 institutions, had not been processed, as those institutions were not accredited and remained unknown to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC),” the statement added.


    Affected institutions were given a 30-day period to resolve their accreditation challenges with GTEC, while 908 PIN codes for private applicants remained pending final verification.


    Prospective service personnel were required to activate their PIN codes by paying GHS 40 at any ADB Bank Ltd branch or GHS 41 via MTN Mobile Money before proceeding with registration on the NSA portal.


    As part of efforts to enhance transparency, the NSA introduced new enrolment features, including mandatory facial biometric verification linked to Ghana Card data and the submission of verified Ghana Post GPS addresses to aid in postings.


    The National Service Authority, established in 1973 under the Ministry of Education, remained mandated to deploy skilled manpower from tertiary institutions to support national development in both the public and private sectors.


    Meanwhile, the Presidency Communications Office had announced the rollout of the Government Accountability Series, which began on July 14. The initiative was designed to promote transparency, with sector ministers providing updates on their performance three times a week.


    The series was inaugurated by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who also served as the Minister responsible for National Security.


    The initiative fulfilled President Mahama’s commitment to accountability during his second term, having earlier directed his appointees to remain answerable to the Ghanaian public.

  • NSA scandal: Prosecutors slap 21 counts on Fmr NSA boss in amended charges

    NSA scandal: Prosecutors slap 21 counts on Fmr NSA boss in amended charges

    The number of counts against the  former Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Mr. Assibey Antwi in the criminal case has been increased from 14 to 21.

    The charge sheet and key particulars of the alleged offenses against him were amended today, Monday, March 9.   Assibey Antwi has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

    The principal charge of causing financial loss to the state has undergone a significant revision. Initially, it was alleged that Assibey Antwi authorized payments totaling GH¢500,861,744.02 to over 60,000 ghost national service personnel.

    But the recently amended sheet indicates that the principal has been reduced to GH¢431,761,556.76. According to the particulars, funds were authorised for payment to “non-service personnel and unverified individuals,” rather than “over 60,000 ghost names.”

    Osei Assibey Antwi and his former deputy, Gifty Oware-Mensah, are standing trial for their alleged involvement in financial irregularities and procurement breaches during their tenure at the National Service Authority.

    Gifty Oware-Mensah has been released after fulfilling the GH¢10 million bail requirement set by the court, while Osei Assibey Antwi remains in custody as he has yet to meet his bail condition. Gifty Oware-Mensah has pleaded not guilty to charges of causing a financial loss of over GH¢38 million to the state.

    She faces five counts, while her former boss, Osei Assibey Antwi, faces fourteen charges. In total, the alleged offenses connected to Mr. Antwi are valued at approximately GH¢615,117,744.02. Last month, the court indefinitely adjourned the case after the duo failed to appear before it for a hearing.

    Explaining their absence, Mr. Assibey Antwi’s legal counsel noted that his client was busy cooperating with the police on a separate matter in Kumasi. Mrs. Oware-Mensah’s lawyers disclosed that their client was unwell and unable to attend proceedings.

    Their charges include willfully causing financial loss to the state, stealing, money laundering, and using public office for profit.The accusations include causing financial loss to the Republic, with the main charge suggesting that Mr. Antwi approved payments of allowances to over 60,000 ghost national service personnel, leading to a total loss of GH¢500,861,744.02.

    He is also charged with several counts of theft amounting to GH¢8,256,000, which allegedly occurred between August 2023 and May 2024. Prosecutors allege that Mr. Antwi diverted project funds by authorizing the withdrawal of GH¢106 million from the NSA’s Kumawu Farm Project account on five different occasions without using any of it for the intended purpose.

    The state also contends that he engaged in money laundering by transferring GH¢8.26 million into his personal e-zwich account and taking control of the funds despite knowing they were criminal proceeds.

    Court documents indicate that Oware-Mensah, who managed the Finance and Procurement units of the NSA, allegedly masterminded a sophisticated scheme centered on the Authority’s “marketplace” platform—a system intended to offer hire-purchase services to national service personnel.

    Prosecutors claim she gained control of a private entity, Blocks of Life Consult, and created a list of 9,934 fictitious names within the NSA database. She is said to have then approached the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), falsely asserting that her company had supplied goods to those ghost beneficiaries and required a loan, using their fake allowances as collateral.

    This deception allegedly led to a loan arrangement between ADB and the NSA, resulting in GH¢31.5 million being paid directly into her company’s account. Of that amount, she is accused of transferring over GH¢22.9 million to another company where she also served as a director. Investigations revealed that no goods were ever delivered to any service personnel.

    Her actions, with interest included, are alleged to have cost the state a total of GH¢38,458,248.87. A couple of months ago, the Attorney-General (A-G) and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, revealed that eight individuals, including three former officers of the National Service Authority (NSA), had admitted to their involvement in the misappropriation of funds at the National Service Scheme (NSS).

    Providing an update on the case as part of the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 28, Dr. Ayine disclosed that eight individuals wished to plead guilty in exchange for lighter punishment. He explained that the office intended to file formal charges last week; however, this was postponed following new revelations regarding the ongoing case.

    The new evidence, he noted, is tied to a Bank of Ghana account linked to former NSA Director-General, Mr. Osei Assibey, suggesting potential embezzlement involving public funds.

    According to him, a total of GH¢189 million was deposited into the account of Mr. Osei Assibey; however, GH¢80 million cannot be accounted for. Furthermore, nearly GH¢2 million was allegedly withdrawn using two cheques that carried Mr. Assibey’s name and account information.

    The A-G stated that the office has reached out to the Bank of Ghana, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department for further information and documentation.“The National Service Authority scandal case was due to be filed last week. However, we stumbled upon evidence of malfeasance involving an account at the Bank of Ghana. Out of the GH¢189 million transferred, GH¢80 million cannot be traced.

    Two cheques linked to the former Director-General were used to withdraw just under GH¢2 million,” Dr. Ayine stated. He added that some of the accused have shown readiness to provide testimony against their fellow accused, with several vendors and service providers also reportedly willing to support the prosecution as witnesses.

    Earlier this year, a non-profit investigative body, The Fourth Estate, released a report into payroll records from 2017 to 2023 and the 2024 National Service Year. The findings revealed serious irregularities within the NSA, uncovering how a 72-year-old Kenyan, Kwame Donkor, was wrongly listed as a beneficiary.

    Mr. Donkor was enlisted on the payroll with a photo but without an official ID card, which is unusual. However, the photo belonged to Emmanuel Mutio, a Human Resource Manager at a private IT company in Kenya. The 72-year-old Kenyan had his name appear on the payroll 226 times as a registered beneficiary.

    The Fourth Estate initially uncovered the issue in November 2024, but the NSA obtained a court order preventing them from publishing the findings. After the court lifted the injunction, the report was finally released.

    In response, President John Dramani Mahama ordered a probe into the matter. Following the President’s directive, the NIB interrogated the former Deputy Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware-Mensah, and Kwaku Ohene Djan, who is also a former Deputy Executive Director of the NSA.

    The payroll fraud reportedly costs Ghana GH¢50 million monthly. In May, the Authority interdicted two of its officials in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region.

  • 2026/27 NSS: NSA issues PIN codes to 6,867 nurses, midwives

    2026/27 NSS: NSA issues PIN codes to 6,867 nurses, midwives

    A total of 6,867 eligible nurses and midwives have obtained PIN codes to enable their registration for the 2026/27 National Service Year.

    The National Service Authority (NSA) on Monday, January 19, directed the listed candidates to retrieve their PIN codes from the Authority’s website to begin the registration process for the 2026/27 National Service Year.


    According to the NSA, “All eligible trained Nurses and Midwives are requested to visit the Authority’s website and click on the portal to access their PIN codes using their respective Student ID numbers and dates of birth”.

    Prospective Service Personnel are required to note that a registration fee of GH¢41.00 must be paid via Mobile Money across all networks to access the enrolment platform.

    In June, the National Service Authority (NSA) released PIN codes for 132,393 prospective national service personnel ahead of the 2025/2026 service year. This information was made known in a press release issued by the Authority on Tuesday, June 17.


    The NSA indicated that this year’s intake dropped by an average of 26% compared to the past three years, with a 36% decline in 2022/2023.


    The Authority also revealed that it received 135,990 submissions for this year from 122 tertiary institutions. It noted that 3,597 submissions are pending verification of accreditation.


    “This figure is part of a total of 135,990 final-year Ghanaian students submitted by 122 tertiary institutions across the country.


    “However, 3,597 of these submissions, representing graduates from 22 institutions, have not been processed, as those institutions are currently not accredited and remain unknown to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC),” it added.


    Tertiary institutions have been granted a 30-day window to address their accreditation irregularities with GTEC. Meanwhile, 908 PIN codes for private applicants are currently awaiting final verification from the related institutions to be released.


    Prospective service personnel are required to activate their PIN codes by paying a fee of GHS 40 at any ADB Bank Ltd branch. Alternatively, payments can be made via MTN Mobile Money at a fee of GHS 41.


    To begin the registration process, applicants should visit the NSA portal and follow the instructions to retrieve their PIN codes and complete the required steps.

    To strengthen the transparency and security of the registration process, the NSA has introduced several improvements to its online enrolment platform:


    Facial Biometric Verification: All prospective service personnel must complete facial verification against their Ghana Card data held by the National Identification Authority (NIA) prior to accessing the registration form.


    Verified Address Input: Applicants must provide a valid Ghana Post GPSaddress, which will be used for distance mapping and regional posting decisions, to guide proximity to the workplace.

    The accuracy of this information is essential for effective placement. Detailed guidance is available at
    Registrants may also contact support@nss.gov.gh for additional assistance or chat with us live on the portal.

    The National Service Authority (NSA) canceled online registration for the 2025/2026 service year submitted in June due to suspected irregularities in its Central Management System (CMS).In this regard, the Authority has announced that online registration for prospective national service personnel will begin on Wednesday, October 8, and end on Wednesday, October 15.

    All national service personnel reported to their assigned service stations on Saturday, November 1. The Authority directed personnel to visit its new website, www.gnsa.gov.gh, for step-by-step guidelines for the online registration.

    “All previous registrations from June 2025 have been declared null and void. Every prospective service personnel must re-register on the new platform,” the statement noted.

    On June 18, the NSA’s Central Management System (CMS) was abruptly suspended by the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama due to suspicions of irregularities.

    Speaking to JoyNews on Tuesday, September 9, the Acting Director General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Ruth Seddoh, revealed that the audit exposed more than 1,000 babies, some less than a year old, listed as National Service Personnel on NSA’s payroll.

    She explained, “If the system were foolproof, we wouldn’t have had children under one year without a Ghana Card being on our payroll. We had almost 1,000 kids under one year on our payroll, on our system.

    “But we were thinking that if the system were to be foolproof, the system would have detected that these people were minors. Because it is done, and it can be done. To the extent that the system can determine that these ones are below the age of 18, but that was not done.”

    This suspension delayed postings for the 2025/2026 national service personnel.

    The Authority is among several institutions being probed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for alleged irregularities. A recent report by the non-profit investigative body, The Fourth Estate, alleges that the former Director-General (D-G) of the NSA, Osei Assibey Antwi, was listed as a volunteer within the NSA while in office.

  • Gifty Oware pleads not guilty in GHS38m NSA fraud trial

    Gifty Oware pleads not guilty in GHS38m NSA fraud trial

    The embattled former Deputy of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware-Mensah, has pleaded not guilty to charges of causing a financial loss of over GH¢38 million to the state.

    She has been granted GH¢10 million bail by the Accra High Court on Wednesday, October 22. Mrs. Oware-Mensah has been slapped with five counts, while her former boss, the Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Osei Assibey Antwi, faces fourteen charges. In total, the alleged offenses connected to Mr. Antwi are valued at approximately GH¢615,117,744.02.


    Last week, the court indefinitely adjourned the case after the duo failed to appear before it for a hearing. Explaining their absence, Mr. Assibey Antwi’s legal counsel noted that his client was busy cooperating with the police on a separate matter in Kumasi.

    Mrs. Oware-Mensah’s lawyers disclosed that their client is unwell and unable to attend proceedings. Their charges include willfully causing financial loss to the state, stealing, money laundering, and using public office for profit.

    The accusations include causing financial loss to the Republic, with the main charge suggesting that he approved payments of allowances to over 60,000 ghost national service personnel, leading to a total loss of GH¢500,861,744.02.


    He is additionally charged with several counts of theft amounting to GH¢8,256,000, which allegedly occurred between August 2023 and May 2024.


    Prosecutors say Mr. Antwi diverted project funds, authorizing the withdrawal of GH¢106 million from the NSA’s Kumawu Farm Project account on five different occasions without using any of it for the intended purpose.


    The state also contends that he engaged in money laundering by transferring GH¢8.26 million into his personal e-zwich account and taking control of the funds despite knowing they were criminal proceeds.


    Court documents indicate that Oware-Mensah, who managed the Finance and Procurement units of the NSA, allegedly masterminded a sophisticated scheme centered on the Authority’s “marketplace” platform, a system intended to offer hire-purchase services to national service personnel.


    Prosecutors claim she gained control of a private entity, Blocks of Life Consult, and created a list of 9,934 fictitious names within the NSA database. She is said to have then approached the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), falsely asserting that her company had supplied goods to those ghost beneficiaries and required a loan, using their fake allowances as collateral.


    This deception allegedly led to a loan arrangement between ADB and the NSA, which resulted in GH¢31.5 million being paid directly into her company’s account. Of that amount, she is accused of transferring over GH¢22.9 million to another company where she also served as a director.


    Investigations revealed that no goods were ever delivered to any service personnel. Her actions, with interest included, are alleged to have cost the state a total of GH¢38,458,248.87.

    A couple of months ago, Attorney-General (A-G) and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, revealed that eight individuals, including three former officers of the National Service Authority (NSA), had admitted to their involvement in the misappropriation of funds at the National Service Scheme (NSS).


    Providing an update on the case as part of the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 28, Dr. Ayine disclosed that eight individuals want to plead guilty in exchange for lighter punishment in this regard.


    He explained that the office intended to file formal charges last week; however, this was postponed following new revelations regarding the ongoing case.


    The new evidence, he noted, is tied to a Bank of Ghana account linked to former NSA Director-General, Mr. Osei Assibey, suggesting potential embezzlement involving public funds. According to him, a total of GH¢189 million was deposited into the account of Mr. Osei Assibey; however, GH¢80 million cannot be accounted for.


    Furthermore, nearly GH¢2 million was allegedly withdrawn using two cheques that carried Mr. Assibey’s name and account information.
    The A-G has stated that the office has reached out to the Bank of Ghana, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department for further information and documentation.


    “The National Service Authority scandal case was due to be filed last week. However, we stumbled upon evidence of malfeasance involving an account at the Bank of Ghana. Out of the GH¢189 million transferred, GH¢80 million cannot be traced. Two cheques linked to the former Director-General were used to withdraw just under GH¢2 million,” Dr. Ayine stated.


    He added that some of the accused have shown readiness to provide testimony against their fellow accused, with several vendors and service providers also reportedly willing to support the prosecution as witnesses.


    Earlier this year, a non-profit investigative body, The Fourth Estate, released a report into the payroll records from 2017 to 2023 and the 2024 National Service Year.


    The findings revealed serious irregularities within the NSA, uncovering how a 72-year-old Kenyan, Kwame Donkor, was wrongly listed as a beneficiary. Mr. Donkor was enlisted on the payroll with a photo and not an official ID card, which is unusual.


    However, the photo belonged to Emmanuel Mutio, a Human Resource Manager at a private IT company in Kenya. The 72-year-old Kenyan had his name appear on the payroll 226 times as a registered beneficiary.
    The Fourth Estate initially uncovered the issue in November 2024, but the NSA obtained a court order preventing them from publishing the findings.


    After the court lifted the injunction, the report was finally released. In response, President John Dramani Mahama ordered a probe into the matter.


    The NIB, upon the President’s directive, interrogated the former Deputy Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware-Mensah, and Kwaku Ohene Djan, who is also a former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority.

    The payroll fraud reportedly costs Ghana GHȼ50 million monthly. In May, the Authority interdicted two of its officials in the Birim North District, Eastern Region.

  • Over 3,500 graduates may not participate in 2025/2026 national service

    Over 3,500 graduates may not participate in 2025/2026 national service

    The National Service Authority (NSA) has revealed that 3,500 graduates risk not participating in the 2025/2026 national service programme over invalid accreditation by 22 tertiary institutions.

    According to the Authority in a press release dated Tuesday, June 17, it received 135,990 submissions for this year from 122 tertiary institutions; however, “3,597 of these submissions, representing graduates from 22 institutions, have not been processed, as those institutions are currently not accredited and remain unknown to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).”

    The Authority has therefore issued a 30-day ultimatum to the tertiary institutions that are yet to renew their licenses.

    NSA cautioned that unaccredited tertiary institutions that miss the deadline to regularize their status will negatively impact their students’ chances of participating in the 2025/26 national service.

    “This is part of broad efforts to clean up the national service system and safeguard public resources,” the NSA said in a statement.

    The NSA is yet to give details of the tertiary institutions that currently possess expired accreditation.

    The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission has been working to ensure that all tertiary institutions in the country meet the required accreditation standards.

    In 2024, it announced a temporary halt to the processing of new accreditation applications for academic programs in all public universities, including technical universities.

    Meanwhile, PIN codes for 132,393 prospective national service personnel ahead of the 2025/2026 service year have been released.

    The NSA indicated that this year’s intake dropped by an average of 26% compared to the past three years, with a 36% decline in 2022/2023.

    908 PIN codes for private applicants are currently awaiting final verification from the related institutions to be released.

    In a related event, Deputy Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), Fuseini Donkor, has explained that personnel under the scheme will undergo a military orientation programme, not full military training.

    This is due to a newly introduced module by the incumbent government aimed at building discipline and preparedness among Ghanaian youth.

  • 2025/2026 batch: NSA releases pin codes for 132,393 prospective NSS personnel

    2025/2026 batch: NSA releases pin codes for 132,393 prospective NSS personnel

    The National Service Authority (NSA) has released PIN codes for 132,393 prospective national service personnel ahead of the 2025/2026 service year.

    This information was made known in a press release issued by the Authority on Tuesday, June 17.

    The NSA indicated that this year’s intake dropped by an average of 26% compared to the past three years, with a 36% decline in 2022/2023.

    Pin-Release-v3-2Download

    The Authority also revealed that it received 135,990 submissions for this year from 122 tertiary institutions. It noted that 3,597 submissions are pending verification of accreditation.

    “This figure is part of a total of 135,990 final-year Ghanaian students submitted by 122 tertiary institutions across the country.

    “However, 3,597 of these submissions, representing graduates from 22 institutions, have not been processed, as those institutions are currently not accredited and remain unknown to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC),” it added.

    Tertiary institutions have been granted a 30-day window to address their accreditation irregularities with GTEC.

    Meanwhile, 908 PIN codes for private applicants are currently awaiting final verification from the related institutions to be released. 

    PIN Code Activation and Registration


    Prospective service personnel are required to activate their PIN codes by paying a fee of GHS 40 at any ADB Bank Ltd branch. Alternatively, payments can be made via MTN Mobile Money at a fee of GHS 41.


    To begin the registration process, applicants should visit the NSA portal at https://smarthub.nss.gov.gh and follow the instructions to retrieve their PIN codes and complete the required steps.


    New Enrolment Features for Enhanced Integrity

    To strengthen the transparency and security of the registration process, the NSA has introduced several improvements to its online enrolment platform:

    • Facial Biometric Verification: All prospective service personnel must complete
      facial verification against their Ghana Card data held with National Identification
      Authority (NIA) prior to accessing the registration form.
    • Verified Address Input: Applicants must provide a valid Ghana Post GPS
      address, which will be used for distance mapping and regional posting decisions,
      to guide proximity to the workplace. Accuracy of this information is essential for
      effective placement.
      Detailed guidance is available at https://smarthub.nss.gov.gh/faq/registration-guide,
      and registrants may also contact support@nss.gov.gh for additional assistance or chat
      to us live on the portal.
  • NSS deploys 13,700 trained teachers for 2025/26 national service

    NSS deploys 13,700 trained teachers for 2025/26 national service

    The National Service Authority (NSA) has deployed the first batch of trained teachers for the 2025/2026 national service year.

    A total of 13,700 graduates from accredited teacher training colleges will begin their service in various educational institutions across the country.

    In an announcement, the NSA directed all assigned personnel to verify their placements and complete necessary documentation. “All deployed Service Personnel MUST log onto the Authority’s website at www.nsw.gov.gh to check their placements and print their appointment letters for endorsement from their designated User Agencies,” the statement read.

    The newly deployed teachers are expected to begin service on April 2, 2025, while the regional validation process will take place from March 26 to April 11, 2025, at all NSA regional centers nationwide.

    Reaffirming the mandatory nature of national service, the Authority cited the governing law: “Per the National Service Authority (Act 1119) 2024, every Ghanaian citizen who has attained the age of eighteen (18) years or more and has completed an Accredited Tertiary Institution is MANDATED to undertake national service to the State.”

    https://twitter.com/nssghana/status/1904986664440856735/photo/1

  • Probe into NSS scandal to be completed mid-April for prosecution to begin – A-G

    Probe into NSS scandal to be completed mid-April for prosecution to begin – A-G

    Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has announced that investigations into the National Service Scheme (NSS) corruption scandal will be finalized by mid-April, setting the stage for legal proceedings against those implicated.

    Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, March 24, Dr. Ayine assured the public that substantial progress had been made, particularly in uncovering fraudulent activities within the NSS.

    Providing an update on the probe, Dr. Ayine revealed that investigators had gathered significant evidence pointing to financial misappropriation and corruption within the scheme.

    “In the National Service scandal, eight suspects have been interrogated, and a good number of them have started ‘singing’ literally,” he stated. “We will give you details of their songs at the appropriate time.”

    He disclosed that some high-ranking officials of the NSS allegedly received payments from private vendors and other scheme employees in what appeared to be illicit financial transactions.

    “We now have evidence of payments that were made into the accounts of the top executives of the National Service by private vendors and staff of the scheme,” he added.

    Beyond financial irregularities, the Attorney-General further disclosed that efforts had been made to suppress the scandal from public scrutiny.

    “We also have evidence that the CEO of the National Service Scheme and others paid a Ghanaian MP to kill the story in the media and to defend them,” Dr. Ayine stated.

    Sources close to the investigation suggest that fraudulent practices within the NSS included the inflation of payroll figures through ghost names, allowing officials to siphon funds meant for legitimate service personnel.

    The Attorney-General described the case as “a developing story,” emphasizing that additional details would emerge in the coming weeks.

    “This is a developing story, and more of it will come out very soon,” he assured.

  • GHC100 to be deducted from NSS February allowance for service cloth

    GHC100 to be deducted from NSS February allowance for service cloth

    National Service personnel across Ghana will see a GH₵100 deduction from their February allowance to cover the cost of the National Service Cloth, which has already been distributed.

    The National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) confirmed this in a statement issued on March 2, explaining that the deduction is mandatory for all personnel.

    In addition to this, personnel who subscribed to the SIC insurance scheme will have further deductions applied to clear four months of outstanding contributions.

    NASPA assured service personnel that any further updates regarding these deductions will be communicated in due course.

  • GFA denies reports of looming elections over Gifty Mensah’s alleged absence – Reports

    GFA denies reports of looming elections over Gifty Mensah’s alleged absence – Reports

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has refuted reports suggesting that a by-election will be held to replace Gifty Oware-Mensah on the Executive Council, according to a publication by GhanaSoccerNet.com.

    Contrary to speculation, Oware-Mensah remains actively involved in GFA affairs and has been participating in meetings, including a recent high-level discussion on football-related matters.

    The GFA has clarified that there are no plans to replace any Executive Council member and has urged the public to disregard such claims.

    Rumors of her removal surfaced following allegations that she had been absent from recent council meetings and had left the country.

    This speculation was further fueled by her association with the National Service Scheme (NSS) scandal, where over 80,000 ghost names were allegedly uncovered on the scheme’s personnel list during her tenure as Deputy Executive Director.

    Despite the controversy, Oware-Mensah continues to play a significant role in Ghanaian football. She owns Berry Ladies FC and also serves as the Chairperson of the Black Queens’ Management Committee.

  • Service Personnel to receive outstanding allowances in full from today – NSS

    Service Personnel to receive outstanding allowances in full from today – NSS

    The Acting Director of the Ghana National Service Authority, Felix Gyamfi, has guaranteed National Service personnel across the country that all overdue allowances will be fully settled starting tomorrow, following an order from President John Mahama.

    Speaking on Joy FM’s PM Express on Wednesday, February 12, Gyamfi lauded the President for his swift intervention in clearing the arrears. He emphasized that Mahama has always been committed to ensuring timely payments for service personnel, even before taking office.

    “We should be grateful to President John Mahama. You’ve realised that even before he became president, he had his press worry about the delay in payment of service personnel, especially so when the service allowance is a meagre ¢715, considering that we have serious inflation issues around us.

    “So he sat down, and once we presented the figures to him, he ordered for a complete payment of all arrears,” he stated.

    Mr. Gyamfi assured that the pending allowances from August to December will be cleared, offering much-needed relief to thousands of service personnel.

    “From tomorrow, service personnel will start receiving all arrears due them, from, I think, all the way from August, September, October, November, December,” he assured.

    He attributed the prolonged payment delays in recent years to malpractice and poor administration, highlighting that flaws in the system had withheld service personnel’s rightful allowances.

    When inquired about a possible allowance raise, Gyamfi indicated President Mahama’s dedication to improving the well-being of service personnel.

    “I think President Mahama understands the circumstances that we are in and has reduced the corruption, the thievery, and the scheme by that much. And I’m sure already he’s thinking about, okay, can we claw back some of the money we saved? So it’s in the pipe a little bit. I’m sure he’s thinking about it,” he revealed.

  • Full payment of service personnel arrears begins today – NSA Director

    Full payment of service personnel arrears begins today – NSA Director

    The Acting Director of the Ghana National Service Authority, Felix Gyamfi, has assured National Service personnel nationwide that all overdue allowances will be disbursed in full starting tomorrow, following a directive from President John Mahama.

    Speaking on Joy FM’s PM Express on Wednesday, February 12, Gyamfi commended the President for taking swift action to resolve the backlog.

    He highlighted Mahama’s long-standing commitment to ensuring timely payments for service personnel, noting that the issue has been a priority for him even before assuming office.

    “We should be grateful to President John Mahama. You’ve realized that even before he became president, he had his press worry about the delay in payment of service personnel, especially so when the service allowance is a meagre ¢715, considering that we have serious inflation issues around us. So he sat down, and once we presented the figures to him, he ordered for a complete payment of all arrears,” he stated.

    Mr Gyamfi confirmed that the delayed payments from August through December will be disbursed, bringing long-awaited relief to thousands of service personnel.

    “From tomorrow, service personnel will start receiving all arrears due them, from, I think, all the way from August, September, October, November, December,” he assured.

    He attributed the recurring payment delays in recent years to corruption and incompetence within the system, suggesting that inefficiencies had deprived service personnel of their rightful allowances.

    “Why has it become so? I think in the last eight years, it all became part of humongous corruption, the incompetence that we had to deal with because you didn’t understand why a service person’s meagre allowance due them will not be paid on time,” he lamented.

    When asked about the possibility of increasing the current allowance, Gyamfi hinted at President Mahama’s commitment to improving conditions for service personnel.

    “I think President Mahama understands the circumstances that we are in and has reduced the corruption, the thievery, and the scheme by that much. And I’m sure already he’s thinking about, okay, can we claw back some of the money we saved? So it’s in the pipe a little bit. I’m sure he’s thinking about it,” he revealed.

    The assurance of immediate payments has relieved National Service personnel, many of whom have endured months of financial strain due to the delayed allowances. With the government’s renewed focus on efficiency and anti-corruption measures, Gyamfi believes service personnel can look forward to a more reliable payment system in the future.

  • Govt considering increasing NSS allowance – NSA Director

    Govt considering increasing NSS allowance – NSA Director

    The government is exploring the possibility of increasing the National Service Scheme (NSS) allowance as part of efforts to ease the financial burden on personnel, Acting Director of the Ghana National Service Authority (NSA), Felix Gyamfi, has revealed.

    Speaking on Joy FM’s PM Express on Wednesday, February 12, Gyamfi assured that President John Mahama is prioritizing the welfare of service personnel and actively considering an increment.

    “I think President Mahama understands the circumstances that we are in, and having reduced the corruption, the thievery, and the scheme by that much, I’m sure already he’s thinking about, ‘Okay, can we claw back some of the money that we have saved?’ So it’s in the pipeline a little bit,” he disclosed.

    Service personnel have repeatedly called for an upward review of the ¢715 monthly allowance, citing inflation and the rising cost of living. While no specific timeline has been set for the adjustment, Gyamfi’s comments suggest that discussions are ongoing.

    Meanwhile, the NSA Director has also confirmed that all outstanding allowances from August to December will be disbursed starting Thursday, February 13.

    “We should be grateful to President John Mahama. Even before he became president, he had his press worry about the delay in payment of service personnel, especially so when the service allowance is a meagre ¢715, considering that we have serious inflation issues around us,” he said.

    He explained that once the figures were presented to the President, he immediately ordered the full settlement of the arrears.

    “So from tomorrow [February 13], service personnel will start receiving all arrears due them from August, September, October, November, and December,” he confirmed.

    Gyamfi blamed years of corruption and poor financial management for the persistent delays in payments, arguing that the scheme had been significantly weakened by these issues.

    “Why has it become so? I think in the last eight years, it all became part of humongous corruption, the incompetence that we had to deal with because you didn’t understand why a service person’s meagre allowance due them will not be paid on time,” he lamented.

    With the assurance of cleared arrears and the possibility of an increment, service personnel remain hopeful that their financial concerns will soon be addressed.

  • 5-month NSS allowance arrears to be settled today – NSA

    5-month NSS allowance arrears to be settled today – NSA

    The Ghana National Service Authority (NSA) has assured service personnel that their outstanding allowances from August to December will be disbursed beginning today, Thursday, February 13.

    Acting Director of the NSA, Felix Gyamfi, attributed the swift resolution to President John Mahama’s commitment to alleviating the financial difficulties of service personnel.

    Speaking on Joy FM’s PM Express on Wednesday, February 12, Gyamfi acknowledged the persistent challenge of delayed payments and emphasized the government’s dedication to prioritizing the welfare of personnel.

    “We should be grateful to President John Mahama. Even before he became president, he had his press worry about the delay in payment of service personnel, especially so when the service allowance is a meagre GH¢715, considering that we have serious inflation issues around us,” he noted.

    He further explained that once the financial details were presented to the President, an immediate directive was issued to settle all outstanding arrears.

    “So from tomorrow [February 13], service personnel will start receiving all arrears due them from August, September, October, November, and December,” he confirmed.

    Gyamfi attributed the recurring delays in payments to years of financial mismanagement and corruption, which he believes significantly weakened the scheme’s financial standing.

    “Why has it become so? I think in the last eight years, it all became part of humongous corruption, the incompetence that we had to deal with because you didn’t understand why a service person’s meagre allowance due them will not be paid on time,” he lamented.

    On the possibility of an increment in the service allowance, Gyamfi hinted that discussions were underway.

    “I think President Mahama understands the circumstances that we are in, and having reduced the corruption, the thievery, and the scheme by that much, I’m sure already he’s thinking about, ‘Okay, can we claw back some of the money that we have saved?’ So it’s in the pipeline a little bit,” he revealed.

    Service personnel have long advocated for an increase in their GH¢715 monthly stipend, citing rising inflation and economic hardships. While no official timeline has been given, Gyamfi’s comments indicate that the government is actively exploring options for a possible increment.

  • NSA posts 106,223 graduates to institutions for mandatory practical job exposure

    NSA posts 106,223 graduates to institutions for mandatory practical job exposure

    The National Service Authority (NSA) has officially announced the release of postings for 106,223 university graduates who are set to undertake their mandatory national service for the 2024/2025 service year. 

    This announcement, made on September 6, 2024, in a press statement marks the commencement of the practical job exposure program, designed to equip graduates with essential hands-on experience in various institutions across the country.

    The batch includes graduates from all accredited Ghanaian universities, individuals who completed studies abroad, defaulters, and private applicants who registered for national service. The service year is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

     In preparation, the NSA has outlined a detailed validation and registration process for all deployed personnel. Graduates are required to log onto the NSA’s official website at www.nss.gov.gh to check their postings. 

    Once they have confirmed their placements, they must print their appointment letters and present them at their assigned institutions for endorsement. After receiving the necessary endorsements, personnel are required to book an online appointment for registration at the regional validation and registration centers.

    Following the booking of appointments, deployed personnel must proceed to their respective regional validation centers with their endorsed appointment letters and valid Ghana Cards to complete the registration process. 

    This validation and registration process will take place at all regional centers from Thursday, September 12, 2024, and will close on Monday, September 30, 2024.

    In a statement, the NSA emphasized that reposting of deployed personnel is strictly prohibited. The authority has urged all national service participants to embrace their postings as an essential part of their responsibilities to national development. 

    Reposting, which has been a subject of contention in past service years, will not be entertained in any form during the 2024/2025 service year.

    Director-General of the NSA, Osei Assibey Antwi, extended his best wishes to all service personnel. He highlighted the importance of their contributions to the nation through the national service program, expressing confidence that the 2024/2025 service year would provide a fulfilling and transformative experience for all participants.

    The National Service Programme which remains a critical phase in the graduates’ transition from academic life to the professional world, ensuring they gain valuable skills while contributing to national progress, will no longer be mandatory should flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia win the 2024 general elections.

    Graduates who secure employment upon completing their education would be exempt from national service. This exemption would make them immediately available to contribute to the workforce.

  • NSS launches six-month volunteer recruitment for graduates and youth

    NSS launches six-month volunteer recruitment for graduates and youth

    Youth without jobs and recent graduates are being sought after by the National Service Scheme (NSS) to serve as volunteers for six months.

    The program states that the decision was made in light of the large number of applications from young people, with the intention of addressing the issue of youth unemployment in the nation.

    “The recruitment will focus on various models including sanitation, teaching, agriculture, health and other sectors aligned with the Government’s efforts to promote environmental health, cleanliness, and sustainable development.”

    “An online application system will be operational soon on the Scheme’s website to facilitate the selection process. We encourage you to spread awareness about this opportunity among potential candidates in your region/district and provide necessary guidance and support throughout the application process.”

  • We have not declared any strike over unpaid allowance – NASPA

    We have not declared any strike over unpaid allowance – NASPA

    The National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) has officially distanced itself from a purported strike declared by a group known as the “Concerned NSS Personnel Association of Ghana” (CONSAG).

    In a statement signed by NASPA President Gideon Osei, the association clarified that CONSAG has no mandate to represent the interests of national service personnel.

    “NASPA, the official representative body for all national service personnel in Ghana, categorically states that we have not declared any strike. We urge the public to disregard the statement from the ‘Concerned NSS Personnel Association of Ghana’ as they are not a recognised organisation,” the statement read.

    NASPA emphasized its ongoing engagement with the National Service Scheme (NSS) management to address the recent delays in allowance payments.

    The association reassured service personnel that allowances for April 2024 have been processed and will be reflected in their accounts by Friday, July 5, 2024. Furthermore, allowances for May 2024 are expected to be paid by Friday, July 12, 2024.

    “NASPA remains committed to your well-being. We are working diligently with the management of the scheme to prevent future delays and ensure the timely reflection of allowances in their e-zwich accounts,” the statement continued.

    NASPA acknowledged the patience and understanding of service personnel during this period of delayed payments and urged them to remain calm and continue their valuable service to the country.

    The association reaffirmed its dedication to addressing the concerns of service personnel and maintaining open communication with the NSS management to resolve any issues promptly.

  • NSS releases outstanding April payments

    NSS releases outstanding April payments

    The National Service Scheme (NSS) has disbursed outstanding payments for April in response to a nationwide strike declared by its personnel.

    The Concerned National Service Scheme (NSS) Personnel Association of Ghana (CONSPAG) initiated a nationwide strike on July 3, 2024, citing unpaid allowances, which had impacted their livelihoods.

    In a prompt response, the National Executive Council of the National Service Personnel Association issued a statement on Wednesday, July 3, confirming that the Secretariat has processed payments for April.

    These payments are expected to be credited to personnel accounts by July 5, 2024.

    Furthermore, allowances for May are anticipated to follow shortly after the April payments have been processed. Personnel have been encouraged to remain patient as efforts continue to address outstanding matters.

    Below is the statement from the National Executive Council of the National Service Personnel Association.

  • NSS personnel strike over 5-month allowance arrears

    NSS personnel strike over 5-month allowance arrears

    The Concerned National Service Scheme (NSS) Personnel Association of Ghana (CONSPAG) has announced a nationwide strike beginning today, Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

    The strike action comes in response to the prolonged delay in the payment of allowances owed to NSS personnel across the country.

    In a statement dated July 2, 2024, CONSPAG addressed all NSS personnel, user agencies, and stakeholders, highlighting the dire circumstances that necessitated this drastic measure.

    The association pointed out significant challenges faced by personnel, including difficulties in covering accommodation and utility bills, transportation costs to their assigned agencies, and basic sustenance at their workplaces.

    According to CONSPAG, the non-payment of allowances has forced many NSS personnel into borrowing money to meet their daily needs, leading to financial stress and health issues among the affected individuals.

    “We are entitled to our monthly allowance as we render mandatory service to the state. As of now, the government owes trainees five months allowance and graduates from the Universities three months,” the statement read.

    The association underscored that the current situation violates NSS rules and regulations, which stipulate that personnel failing to report to their posts for three months after assignment face sanctions.

    Despite their continued dedication to their duties, NSS personnel have endured working conditions marked by hunger and other adversities due to the unpaid allowances stretching over five months for trainees and three months for university graduates.

    CONSPAG emphasized that the strike action aims to compel the government to prioritize the payment of overdue allowances, ensuring fair treatment and respect for the contributions of NSS personnel to national development.

  • GHC40 charge for NSS personnel PIN code activation not an extortion tactics – NSS

    GHC40 charge for NSS personnel PIN code activation not an extortion tactics – NSS

    The National Service Scheme (NSS) has clarified the GH¢40 Online Enrolment Activation fee required from prospective national service personnel to activate PIN codes for the 2024/2025 service year enrolment.

    This clarification comes amidst significant public uproar following media reports that suggested the fee was a new and potentially exploitative charge.

    In a statement dated Friday, June 21, the NSS addressed these concerns, explaining that the GH¢40 fee is not a recent development. The NSS described the publications about the fee as “twisted and skewed,” urging the public to disregard misleading information and understand that this fee has been in place for several years.

    “The National Service Scheme (NSS) has taken notice of concerns raised by a section of the public regarding the GH¢40 fee required from prospective national service personnel to activate PIN codes for the 2024/2025 service year enrolment,” the statement began.

    “It is clear that the authors of the storyline did not find out much about the issues and rather sought to twist and skew the story to portray the Scheme negatively to the public, as though this was an extortion, as they suggested in their write-up. Management wishes to clarify that the GH¢40 charge for PIN codes is not a recent development.”

    The NSS further emphasized that this fee was originally deducted from the personnel’s first-month allowances but in 2015, the payment method was changed to require service personnel to pay before enrolment.

    “The fee was initially paid through deductions at source from the first month allowances of the service personnel after they have been posted. However, the mode of payment was changed in 2015 to allow service personnel to pay before enrolment,” the statement added.

    The NSS’s clarification aims to set the record straight and assure the public that the fee is a long-standing practice and not a new financial burden imposed on prospective national service personnel.

    The scheme’s management highlighted the importance of accurate reporting and urged the media and the public to verify information before drawing conclusions.

    GH¢40-PRESS-RELEASE1Download
  • NSS Metric App removes 14,000 ghost names from system – Secretariat

    NSS Metric App removes 14,000 ghost names from system – Secretariat

    Armstrong Esaah, Head of Corporate Affairs at the National Service Secretariat (NSS), has commended the organization’s implementation of the NSS Metric App, an online registration system designed to streamline the registration process for prospective service personnel.

    He emphasized that since its inception, the app has successfully eliminated over 14,000 ghost names and has greatly simplified the registration process.

    Gone are the days when individuals had to endure long queues at NSS district offices. Esaah highlighted the app’s robust security features, including artificial intelligence, which have effectively prevented impersonation attempts and saved the Ghanaian government millions of cedis.

    The NSS Metric App was launched during the 2021–2022 service year with the primary objective of expediting the national service registration process and improving the detection of impersonation attempts.

    As part of the registration process, individuals are required to complete an NSS form online and then visit district offices, where the app is utilized to scan their faces and match them with their Ghana cards for authentication and validation.

    Armstrong Esaah, speaking on Onua FM’s Etifi Nsem Show on Saturday, April 20, praised the Executive Director of the Scheme, Osei Assibey Antwi, and the management for implementing various initiatives at NSS.

    He highlighted that Ghana was on the brink of disbursing over GHC112 million in allowances to unqualified individuals three years ago, but the timely intervention of the Metric App by the management averted the situation.


    ”Without this app, these people would have gone through registration and paid a monthly service allowance, though they may not exist. They were blocked so they could not get the chance to even enter and get registered, he reiterated.


    During his conversation with Ekow J.B., Mr. Esaah emphasized the continued robustness and improvement of the NSS Metric App, ensuring that the registration process remains transparent and equitable.

    He also mentioned the NSS management’s preparation of partnership agreements to facilitate the deployment of personnel to foreign countries for their national service—a plan he described as ambitious.

    Additionally, he expressed hope that the Parliament of Ghana would promptly pass the NSS policy for 2024–2034, which includes a thorough review of the National Service Scheme’s operations.

  • National Service initiative launched by Akufo-Addo

    National Service initiative launched by Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has initiated a policy for the National Service Scheme.

    The policy, spanning from 2024 to 2034, aims to provide service personnel with skills and practical entrepreneurial training, preparing them for the job market post-service.

    This initiative aims to equip service personnel with practical skills and entrepreneurial training, enhancing their readiness for the job market post-service.

    Additionally, the policy seeks to instill national values and civic responsibility in service personnel, fostering national unity and a sense of shared citizenship.

    During the policy’s launch in Accra on April 15, President Akufo-Addo affirmed the government’s commitment to providing the necessary resources for its effective implementation.

    He emphasized that the policy represents a transformative shift, elevating the National Service Scheme into a premier institution that prepares graduates for success in their professional endeavors.

    “Government is committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure the effective implementation of the policy.”

    “The policy sets out the broad framework for transforming the National Service Scheme from just merely mobilising and deploying young graduates into various sectors of the Ghanaian economy, into becoming a world-class institution, which shapes service personnel for success in the professional world,” Akufo-Addo added.

    Furthermore, the policy document outlines a comprehensive framework to align the scheme with the government’s agenda, ensuring that service personnel are adequately prepared for the transition from academia to the workforce.

    The management of the National Service Scheme hailed the policy as a significant complement to the government’s employment initiatives.

    The Executive Director of the National Service Scheme, Osei Essibey Antwi, expressed confidence that the policy would empower personnel to pursue self-employment opportunities, create jobs for others, and be well-prepared for traditional employment avenues.

  • Akufo-Addo urged to sign National Service Bill into law

    Akufo-Addo urged to sign National Service Bill into law

    The National Service Scheme (NSS) has urged President Nana Akufo-Addo to promptly sign the Ghana National Service Authority Bill 2024 into law.

    This move is aimed at granting the secretariat authority and autonomy, as highlighted by the NSS during the policy launch on April 15, 2024.

    Executive Director of NSS, Osei Assibey Antwi, stressed the importance of strengthening, capacitating, and adequately resourcing the National Service scheme to regulate the mobilization and deployment of personnel.

    He made a passionate appeal to President Akufo-Addo to approve the bill currently before him.

    Mr. Antwi stated that the new law would provide the authority with the opportunity to expand existing programs such as the NSS teaching model and NSS MSME accounting age.

    This enhancement would further cement the NSS scheme’s position as one of the best in West Africa and Africa for deploying service personnel.

    “The National Service scheme beyond this policy must be strengthened, capacitated, and significantly resourced to regulate the mobilization and deployment of personnel. I strongly believe that this can be done by upgrading the scheme from its status to a more noble and standardized institution.

    In this regard, I wish to make a passionate appeal to the President that the Ghana National Service Authority Bill 2024, currently before Mr. President, will be approved. Mr. President, the new law will grant the authority the opportunity to expand existing programs such as the NSS teaching model and NSS MSME accounting age.”

    In response, President Akufo-Addo encouraged stakeholders to rally behind the National Service Scheme (NSS) in achieving its objectives.

    He expressed confidence that with the implementation of the new policy document, the NSS scheme would play an even more crucial role in shaping the future of Ghana and empowering the nation’s youth to realize their full potential.

    “These interventions will solidify the NSS scheme’s position as one of the best in the West African and African region for deploying service personnel. I urge stakeholders to support the scheme in achieving its objectives. Let us embrace the new changes, focus, and face of the NSS.

    “I’m confident that with the implementation of this new policy document, the NSS scheme will play an even more vital role in shaping the future of our nation and empowering our youth to fulfil their potential.”

  • NSS policy document launched

    NSS policy document launched

    President Akufo-Addo launched the National Service Policy Document on Monday, April 15, 2024, where he highlighted the government’s investment in the National Service Scheme and its expectation of tangible returns in terms of service delivery and professional development.

    He expressed concerns about the underutilization of national service personnel in government institutions, emphasizing the need for a more effective deployment strategy to maximize their impact.

    President Akufo-Addo outlined plans to regulate deployment processes and enhance learning opportunities during national service, aiming to optimize the impact of service personnel across various sectors.

    He emphasized the significance of initiatives outlined in the policy document, which seeks to elevate the National Service Scheme to a world-class institution focused on shaping service personnel for success in their professional careers.

    The President described the comprehensive National Service Policy as a paradigm shift, providing a structured framework for the development of service personnel and preparing them for the transition from school to the workforce.

    He stressed that the policy document offers clear direction for the scheme’s evolution, aligning it with the government’s broader agenda to ensure that service personnel are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to national development.

  • NSS personnel are being underutilized – Akufo-Addo

    NSS personnel are being underutilized – Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has expressed concerns about the underutilization of national service personnel in government institutions, emphasizing the need for a more effective deployment strategy to maximize their impact.

    He made the comment during the launch of the National Service Policy Document on Monday, April 15, 2024.

    In his speech, he highlighted the government’s investment in the National Service Scheme and its expectation of tangible returns in terms of service delivery and professional development.

    President Akufo-Addo outlined plans to regulate deployment processes and enhance learning opportunities during national service, aiming to optimize the impact of service personnel across various sectors.

    He emphasized the significance of initiatives outlined in the policy document, which seeks to elevate the National Service Scheme to a world-class institution focused on shaping service personnel for success in their professional careers.

    The President described the comprehensive National Service Policy as a paradigm shift, providing a structured framework for the development of service personnel and preparing them for the transition from school to the workforce.

    He stressed that the policy document offers clear direction for the scheme’s evolution, aligning it with the government’s broader agenda to ensure that service personnel are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to national development.

  • SSNIT saved GHS480m, NSS saved GHS356m due to digitalization – Bawumia

    SSNIT saved GHS480m, NSS saved GHS356m due to digitalization – Bawumia


    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia highlighted the significant cost savings brought about by digitalization in Ghana.

    He cited examples such as the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), which saved GHC480 million by removing 29,000 ghost pensioners, and the National Service Secretariat, which eliminated 44,000 ghost workers, resulting in savings of over GHC356 million.

    Speaking at the launch of LEADing Justice in Accra, a strategic framework document outlining the Chief Justice’s vision for the Judiciary and Judicial Service of Ghana, Vice President Bawumia expressed his satisfaction that digitization was a central element of the Chief Justice’s vision.

    He commended Ghana for its rapid progress in digitization and praised the Chief Justice for bringing renewed focus, dynamism, and energy to the Judiciary since assuming office the previous year.

    “It is my hope that today’s event will herald a new dawn in the history of our judicial system propelled by efficiency, excellence, knowledge, and integrity.”

    For instance, he noted that from independence until 2017, only four percent of the adult population possessed Tax Identification Numbers, as seen in the case of 2014.

    “When we digitalized and gave everyone a Ghana Card and made the decision to make the Ghana Card Tax Identification number, we increased the proportion of individuals with Tax ID, the number moved from four per cent to 85 per cent just like that.

    “We have also seen through digitalization that you can deal with corruption. We have eliminated ghost workers at the Controller and Accountant General Office just by using the Ghana Cards because the ghosts don’t have fingerprints.”

    He emphasized that the judiciary’s reputation relies on key principles such as law, ethics, asset management, due process, and digitization, all of which represent significant advancements in the judicial system.

    Having spearheaded the introduction of a case tracking system within the criminal justice sector in 2018, the Vice President expressed his satisfaction with the transformative impact of the e-system on the administration of justice.

    He urged all Ghanaians to rally behind the Chief Justice’s vision, enabling the judiciary to fulfill its objectives, mandates, and targets for the betterment of the nation.

    “As a government, we shall continue to do more for the Judicial Service to ramp up the other parts of the E-Justice system of the court and beyond the High Courts in Accra.

    “We shall continue to invest in court infrastructure, residential accommodation for judges and magistrates and general re-tooling of the human resources of the institution to improve justice delivery. It is in our interest as a country to do so.”

    The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame, characterized the launch as groundbreaking, as it marked the Chief Justice’s inaugural presentation of her vision for justice delivery in Ghana.

    He emphasized that this event provided an unprecedented opportunity for ordinary citizens, from whom justice emanates, to gauge the Chief Justice’s performance fairly and accurately.

    The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame, characterized the launch as groundbreaking, as it marked the Chief Justice’s inaugural presentation of her vision for justice delivery in Ghana.

    He emphasized that this event provided an unprecedented opportunity for ordinary citizens, from whom justice emanates, to gauge the Chief Justice’s performance fairly and accurately.


    Mr. Yaw Acheampong Boafo, President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), expressed full confidence in the Chief Justice’s ability to provide genuine leadership to the Judiciary.

    He expressed optimism that the Chief Justice’s vision would not only be transformative but also inclusive, reaching out to all sectors of society.

  • NSS Deputy Director involved in scholarship saga is a member of GFA’s Executive Council

    NSS Deputy Director involved in scholarship saga is a member of GFA’s Executive Council

    Five months ago, Deputy Director of the National Service Secretariat (NSS), Gifty Oware-Mensah, who has been implicated in a recent exposé by The Fourth Estate, on affluent individuals who allegedly obtained scholarships meant for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged Ghanaians, was made a member of the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) Executive Council.

    The Ghana Football Association broke the news about the swearing-in ceremony of its new Executive Council on Monday, October 9, 2023.

    Members of the newly elected Executive Council were sworn into office for a four-year mandate.

    Present at the meeting were President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, Mark Addo, Dr. Ransford Abbey, Kingsley Osei Bonsu, Frederick Acheampong, Nana Sarfo Oduro, Dr. Gifty Oware-Mensah, Eugene Nobel Amon Noel and Gideon Fosu.

    The Members signed the Oath of Office and the Oath of Confidentially. James Kwesi Appiah was absent with permission of the GFA President.

    Gifty Oware-Mensah, aside from working at the NSS, owns Berry Ladies FC, a female football formerly known as Halifax Ladies FC, which is currently playing in Ghana’s women premier league.

    Per reports, Gifty who has denied receiving any scholarship, “obtained a government scholarship of GBP18,450 (GBP means Great British Pound) to study at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom in 2020 to pursue an MSc in Development Policy and Politics.”

    It is said that she received the scholarship three years after she started working for the Secretariat.

    According to the Fourth Estate, they reached out to her on January 19, 2024, and her response was “From 2019, my name has been Gifty Oware-Mensah. Let me call Kingsley [Agyemang] and get back. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Let me speak to them and get back to you.”

    The Fourth Estate further reported that “She later sent a text message that she was driving to Sunyani and would revert. Subsequent calls to her did not yield result.”

  • NSS personnel receive January allowance, 2 months arrears yet to be paid

    NSS personnel receive January allowance, 2 months arrears yet to be paid

    The National Service Scheme (NSS) has confirmed the distribution of service personnel allowances for January 2024. The NSS stated that these payments have been specifically disbursed to eligible personnel.

    In a press release dated Friday, April 5, and signed by Armstrong Essah, the Director of Corporate Affairs, the Secretariat highlighted that eligible personnel will receive their allowances through E-Zwich at their respective banks nationwide.

    The NSS expressed appreciation to service personnel for their understanding during the delay in payments.

    Additionally, the Secretariat assured all personnel that the allowances for February and March 2024 have been processed and are anticipated to be disbursed promptly.

    “Furthermore, management would like to assure all service personnel that their allowance for February and March 2024 have been processed.”

  • NSS releases January allowance

    NSS releases January allowance

    The National Service Scheme (NSS) has issued a notice regarding the disbursement of allowances to service personnel for January 2024.

    In an announcement made on Friday, April 5, the Secretariat underscored that eligible personnel will receive their allowances via E-Zwich at their respective banks across the country.

    NSS also expressed gratitude to service personnel for their patience and cooperation during the delay in payments.

    Furthermore, the Secretariat affirmed that the allowances for February and March 2024 have been processed and will be disbursed without delay.

    See the full press statement below:

  • NSS boss Gifty Oware-Mensah’s X account deactivated following scholarship scandal

    NSS boss Gifty Oware-Mensah’s X account deactivated following scholarship scandal

    The Deputy Director of the National Service Secretariat (NSS), Gifty Oware-Mensah, in a recent development, has deactivated her social media accounts following her implication in a scholarship scandal exposed by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure’s The Fourth Estate.

    Oware-Mensah was identified among affluent individuals allegedly benefiting from scholarships intended for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged Ghanaians.

    Reports indicate that she secured a government scholarship worth GBP18,450 to pursue an MSc in Development Policy and Politics at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom in 2020. This scholarship was allegedly obtained three years into her tenure at the Secretariat.

    When approached for comment on January 19, 2024, Oware-Mensah initially denied any knowledge of the scholarship, stating, “From 2019, my name has been Gifty Oware-Mensah. Let me call Kingsley [Agyemang] and get back. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Let me speak to them and get back to you.”

    Despite promises to follow up, subsequent attempts to reach her proved futile.

    Aside from her role at the NSS, Oware-Mensah is also known for owning Berry Ladies FC, formerly Halifax Ladies FC, a team competing in Ghana’s women’s premier league.

    Meanwhile, the 2023/24 NSS personnel have demanded the government to settle their outstanding allowance arrears, as they claim not to have received payment for the past two months.

    Oware-Mensah’s decision to deactivate her social media accounts, particularly her ‘X’ account where she is usually active, has sparked speculation among users. Some believe that she took this action due to potential backlash following The Fourth Estate’s expose. However, her Instagram account remains accessible to the public.

  • Gov’t gave £18,450 scholarship for the ‘poor’ to NSS Deputy Director to study in UK – Report

    Gov’t gave £18,450 scholarship for the ‘poor’ to NSS Deputy Director to study in UK – Report

    The Deputy Director of the National Service Secretariat (NSS), Gifty Oware-Mensah, has been implicated in a recent exposé by The Fourth Estate, spearheaded by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure.

    The investigation has unveiled the identities of affluent individuals who allegedly obtained scholarships meant for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged Ghanaians.

    Per reports, Gifty who has denied receiving any scholarship, “obtained a government scholarship of GBP18,450 (GBP means Great British Pound) to study at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom in 2020 to pursue an MSc in Development Policy and Politics.”

    It is said that she received the scholarship three years after she started working for the Secretariat.

    According to the Fourth Estate, they reached out to her on January 19, 2024, and her response was “From 2019, my name has been Gifty Oware-Mensah. Let me call Kingsley [Agyemang] and get back. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Let me speak to them and get back to you.”

    The Fourth Estate further reported that “She later sent a text message that she was driving to Sunyani and would revert. Subsequent calls to her did not yield result.”

    Madam Gifty is said to own Berry Ladies FC, a female football formerly known as Halifax Ladies FC, which is currently playing in Ghana’s women premier league.

    In other matters, the 2023/24 NSS personnel are calling on the government to settle the allowance arrears owed them. Per reports, government has not payed personnel for the previous two months.

  • NSS personnel likely to strike over unpaid allowance

    NSS personnel likely to strike over unpaid allowance

    The National Service Personnel Association is calling for the immediate payment of two-month outstanding allowances owed to members serving in the public sector.

    In an interview with Joy News, the Association expressed concern over the delay in disbursement of the allowances, which has become a recurring issue, causing hardship for graduates who depend on the stipend for their survival.

    The Association is demanding the immediate payment to prevent the possibility of an industrial action. This comes as National Service Personnel in the public sector have been struggling to meet their basic needs due to the delay in the payment of their monthly allowances.

    Nana Adu Gyamfi, Secretary Of the National Service Personnel Association

    Nana Adu Gyamfi Mensah, Secretary of the National Service Personnel Association, stated that the association is currently engaged in negotiations with the government. However, he emphasized that if the government fails to honor the agreement reached during these negotiations, the association will be compelled to initiate a strike action.

    “In the coming days, after probably our last meeting with the board and government, we will announce our next line of action which is to call for a strike and subsequently a demonstration,” he said.

    Some personnel from the 2023-2024 batch have reported not receiving their allowances since January 2024. One personnel, Prince Boadi, expressed worry about the delayed payment of allowances.

    “The delayed payment is a worry to us because as graduates our parents someway want us to be fending for ourselves so most of us depend on the allowance. If it delays, we really get worried,” he indicated.

    “With the concerns of allowance, we had about four unpaid allowances with two months settled…this is not something that must happen. We are telling the scheme and government that this is unacceptable” he said.

  • NSS personnel to receive Nov-Dec allowances today – Management

    NSS personnel to receive Nov-Dec allowances today – Management

    The National Service Scheme’s Management has confirmed that service personnel can collect their allowances for November and December from their chosen banks on Friday, March 15.

    The payments were processed on March 13, as stated in a press release dated March 13 and signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Armstrong Esaah.

    “The Management of the National Service Scheme (NSS) wishes to inform national service personnel and the general public that allowances for the months of November and December have been paid as of Wednesday. March 13. 2024.

    All national service personnel who have filled out, endorsed and submitted their assessment forms for the months of November and December 2024 and have completed the biometric verification process at their respective NSS District offices can access their allowances via E-Zwich at their preferred banks nationwide from Friday, March I5, 2024,” portions of the release read.

    The managers of the scheme apologized for the inconvenience caused the personnel, “Management understands the plights of the personnel regarding the delay in the payment of their allowances and assures them that steps are being taken, well in advance, to clear the January and February arrears in the shortest possible time. We express regret for the delay and commend the personnel for their unwavering dedication to duty.”

  • You are starving NSS personnel, how wicked can you be – Citizen fires NSS boss over delayed allowance payment

    You are starving NSS personnel, how wicked can you be – Citizen fires NSS boss over delayed allowance payment

    The Executive Director of the National Secretariat Service (NSS), Osei Assibey Antwi, has been chastised for his failure to ensure that the 2023/24 NSS personnel receive their allowances as scheduled.

    In a post on the X platform, a citizen, Joel Kofi, expressed concern that NSS personnel working with government institutions have not been paid their allowances since they started their mandatory service in November 2023.

    He questioned how Osei Assibey Antwi could sleep comfortably at night while many Ghanaian graduates suffer from hunger in their efforts to serve their nation patriotically.

    “This is Mr. Osei Assibey, the National service boss. Papa, do you sleep comfortably at night, knowing fully well that you are starving young people? From November 2023 to March 2024, not even a penny. How wicked can a man be?” he quizzed.

    On the issue of delayed allowance payment, the National Service Secretariat in January of this year called for calm as agitation among 2023/2024 service personnel grows following the Secretariat’s inability to pay their monthly allowances.

    Speaking to Citi News, the Acting Head of Corporate Affairs for the National Service Scheme, Ambrose Entsiwah Junior, indicated that the Secretariat is waiting on Parliament for the approval of their budget.

    He said, “It depends on the money that we receive at any point in time. Let’s not forget that we have submitted our budget to parliament like every other institution for appropriation to be done. And so once those things have been completed and funds have been released into our account, which includes salaries and payment of allowances and all that, we will pay the service personnel.”

    Two months later, it appears Parliament is yet to approve the budget for the NSS for payment to be made.

  • How do you sleep despite knowing NSS personnel haven’t been paid for 5 months? – Netizen slams NSS boss

    How do you sleep despite knowing NSS personnel haven’t been paid for 5 months? – Netizen slams NSS boss

    A Ghanaian, Joel Kofi, has condemned the Executive Director of the National Secretariat Service (NSS), Osei Assibey Antwi, for failing to ensure that the 2023/24 service personnel are paid their allowance as outlined.

    In a post on the X platform, Joel Kofi noted that NSS personnel with government institutions have not been paid the allowance due them since they commenced their mandatory service to the country in November 2023.

    For him, he wonders how Osei Assibey Antwi is able to sleep comfortably at night when many Ghanaian graduates continue to starve in their quest to be patriotic for their nation.

    “This is Mr. Osei Assibey, the National service boss. Papa, do you sleep comfortably at night, knowing fully well that you are starving young people? From November 2023 to March 2024, not even a penny. How wicked can a man be?” he quizzed.

    On the issue of delayed allowance payment, the National Service Secretariat in January of this year called for calm as agitation among 2023/2024 service personnel grows following the Secretariat’s inability to pay their monthly allowances.

    Speaking to Citi News, the Acting Head of Corporate Affairs for the National Service Scheme, Ambrose Entsiwah Junior, indicated that the Secretariat is waiting on Parliament for the approval of their budget.

    He said, “It depends on the money that we receive at any point in time. Let’s not forget that we have submitted our budget to parliament like every other institution for appropriation to be done. And so once those things have been completed and funds have been released into our account, which includes salaries and payment of allowances and all that, we will pay the service personnel.”

    Two months later, it appears Parliament is yet to approve the budget for the NSS for payment to be made.

  • NSS assigns 13,516 trained teachers to basic, secondary schools

    NSS assigns 13,516 trained teachers to basic, secondary schools

    The National Service Scheme (NSS) has disclosed the deployment of 13,516 trained teachers from Colleges of Education for their mandatory one-year national service in primary and secondary schools across the country.

    This announcement was made on Monday, March 4, 2024, prompting all service personnel in this category to verify their placements on the NSS website, www.nss.gov.gh.

    In a press release signed by the Acting Director of Corporate Affairs, Ambrose Entsiwah, it was clarified that trainees should then proceed to the respective NSS Regional Secretariats to complete the registration process.

    Registration is scheduled to commence on Friday, March 8, 2024, at all designated centers.

    The NSS management encourages all deployed trained teachers to accept their placements and adhere to the reporting instructions.

  • Most NSS personnel should be blamed for delay in allowances – Management

    Most NSS personnel should be blamed for delay in allowances – Management

    The Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), Osei Assibey Antwi, has attributed delays in allowance payments to service personnel themselves.

    He points out that the youth today lack punctuality, often failing to submit required documents on time for timely processing of allowances.

    Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament on February 15, 2024, Assibey Antwi highlighted the challenge posed by the vast number of national service personnel and emphasized the difficulties in processing stipends when essential documentation is not promptly submitted.

    “Mr Chairman, first of all, National Service, we’re widespread in number and to be able to ensure value for money, we actually have to go through a lot of extraneous validation process.

    “…. The youth of today are not like us when we were doing our national service, we were taking to time, and if they have to submit by 15th, they do so. Mr Chairman, it would actually surprise you to know that we are now in February but a large number of them even have not been able to submit their appointment letters… that is the youth that we are working with now,” he said.

    He added, “So, always we have to be on them and the way the system is structured if you don’t get more than 70%, 80% to submit and then you decide to submit in pieces, it becomes difficult because first it has to go through the auditors, the auditors would go through the controller, so the processes are long.”

    “So, we are now speaking to NASPA to speak to their peers so that this batch we have a different story altogether,” he added.

    Acknowledging the extensive validation process required due to the scheme’s widespread reach, Assibey Antwi emphasized the need for timely submissions.

    He expressed concern that the current system faces challenges when a significant percentage of personnel fail to submit documents in a timely manner.

    To address this issue, the NSS is collaborating with the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) to encourage early document submissions and avoid delays in allowances for the 2024 batch of NSS personnel.

    “So, we are now speaking to NASPA to speak to their peers so that this batch we have a different story altogether,” he added.

  • Bribery and corruption will worsen if NSS is made optional – Apaak

    Bribery and corruption will worsen if NSS is made optional – Apaak

    Ranking Member on the Education Committee of Parliament, Dr. Clement Apaak, has expressed strong opposition to the proposal made by the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to make the one-year mandatory National Service optional.

    According to Dr. Apaak, such a move would only serve to create opportunities for bribery and corruption to thrive.

    In addition to concerns about corruption, Dr. Apaak also highlighted that making National Service optional would not foster a sense of patriotism among Ghanaian students upon completion of their tertiary education.

    Dr. Bawumia had announced his vision for the country during an event in Accra on Wednesday, where he outlined plans to make National Service optional if elected president in the upcoming general elections.

    “I believe it is time to rethink the concept of our current national service scheme. My government will propose that those who, after completion of their education, can secure jobs, would be exempted from national service. National service will no longer be mandatory, and students will have the option to decide whether to do national service. This will also encourage companies to go to campuses for recruitment annually,” Dr. Bawumia said.

    However, Dr. Apaak remains unconvinced about the potential benefits of this proposed policy change.

    But speaking to Citi News, Dr. Clement Apaak said the implementation of such a proposal will only create a favourable exemption opportunity for the children of the political elite.

    “What it will essentially do is introduce optional service in place of National Service, and once it becomes optional, it also creates the avenue for bribery and corruption. We all know the value of doing National Service, and we know that the National Service certificate plays a very important role, especially for those of us who will want to go into public service.”

    “Time without number, you may have heard persons who have been nominated for ministerial positions being asked by the Appointments Committee where they did their National Service and whether they have certificates and so by saying that we are going to make it optional, you are totally destroying what we know and replacing it with a system that will only exempt the sons and daughters of the political elite.”

  • National Service will not be compulsory – Bawumia

    National Service will not be compulsory – Bawumia

    In a significant policy announcement, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also the flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has pledged to make National Service optional if elected president.

    This means that individuals who graduate from tertiary institutions will no longer be mandated to offer their service to the country, as is currently being done.

    During his address at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) in Accra, Dr. Bawumia said, “National Service will no longer be mandatory. And students will have the option to decide whether to do national service or not.”

    According to the Vice President, this will help the youth get jobs since companies will be encouraged to go to campuses for recruitment annually.

    He was emphatic that “My government will propose that those who after completion of their education can secure jobs would be exempted from National Service.”

    The National Service programme is a compulsory one-year service required of all citizens of Ghana who are 18 years and above, at the time of deployment. The Scheme which started in 1973 now operates under Act 426 (of 1980).

    Personnel who did the one-year non-graduate service shall be required to undertake one year post-tertiary national service.

    National Service Personnel shall be entitled to the payment of monthly allowances, the level of which shall be determined by the Ministry of Finance.

    In July 2023, Management of the National Service Scheme (NSS) secured government approval for upward adjustment of monthly allowances for National Service Personnel from GHS559.04 to GHS715.57, with effect from January, 2023.

    The approval, which was contained in a letter dated 18th July, 2023 and signed by the Deputy Minister for Finance, Hon. Abena Osei-Asare (MP), was as a result of series of engagements between National Service Scheme, Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and the Ministry of Finance.

    For over 5 years, service personnel received GHC559, thus the news was welcomed. But after this news, NSS personnel continue to criticise the government for delay in payment of allowance.

  • NSS personnel in Central Region paid GHC155 instead of GHC715 – NASPA president

    NSS personnel in Central Region paid GHC155 instead of GHC715 – NASPA president

    Tema Metro National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) President, Hamidu Apandago Mahamadu, has revealed the awful circumstances personnel in the Central Region are going through.

    According to Mahamudu, in September 2023, service personnel in the region were paid GHC155 as allowance instead of the approved GHC715.57.

    When Hamidu Apandago Mahamadu was asked why, he replied, “we cannot tell”.

    He revealed that the Central Regional Executive, Cape Coast Metro President wrote to management to address the matter, “but they didn’t get any response to that.”

    “They wrote to the Regional Level and it also came to the attention of the National President. There was no response. That’s the challenge of national service. The personnel keep complaining and no one listens to them. Even if you go to the headquarters, the receptionist there, the lady will tell you to write your name and ask you to go,” he added.

    In July 2023, Management of the National Service Scheme (NSS) secured government approval for upward adjustment of monthly allowances for National Service Personnel from GHS559.04 to GHS715.57, with effect from January, 2023.

    The approval, which was contained in a letter dated 18th July, 2023 and signed by the Deputy Minister for Finance, Hon. Abena Osei-Asare (MP), was as a result of series of engagements between National Service Scheme, Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and the Ministry of Finance.

    For over 5 years, service personnel received GHC559, thus the news was welcomed. But after this news, NSS personnel continue to criticise the government for delay in payment of allowance.

    Sources close to The Independent Ghana indicate that in some government institutions, 2023-2024 NSS personnel have not been paid for about 3 months.

  • Govt releases funds for payment of NSS allowance arrears from Jan. to May

    Govt releases funds for payment of NSS allowance arrears from Jan. to May

    The National Service Scheme (NSS) Management has confirmed the release of funds by the government for the settlement of arrears on the allowances of recently completed NSS personnel.

    The payments are intended to cover arrears from January 2023 to May 2023. The announcement was made through a press release signed by Osei Assibey Antwi, the Executive Director of the NSS.

    “The arrears would therefore be paid by the close of Friday, December 8, 2023,” the statement noted.

    The payments will cover arrears accrued from January 2023 to May 2023. However, arrears for June 2023 and allowances for October 2023 will be paid subsequently.

    “Management wishes to commend service personnel for their patience regarding the delayed payment of these allowances and wishes to assure them that everything possible is being done to have the rest of their allowances duly paid to them,” NSS stated.

  • Some National Service Personnel to be deployed to sports institutions

    Some National Service Personnel to be deployed to sports institutions

    On Wednesday, November 1, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) and the National Service Scheme (NSS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

    This collaborative effort aims to assign service personnel to key sports organizations to facilitate the transformation and advancement of Ghana’s sports sector.

    After the MoU signing, Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif highlighted the potential of these service personnel, who will contribute their expertise and skills in various areas such as marketing, physiotherapy, psychology, finance, social media, and content creation, among others.

    The Minister also expressed that the primary goal of this partnership is to enable the deployment of service personnel to different departments within these sports organizations as part of the Sports Support Module.

    “The aim is to synergise academic knowledge with practical experience to enhance the positioning, promotion, and branding of our clubs and federations, enabling them to compete on a global scale.”

    The Minister encouraged all stakeholders to seize the opportunities presented by this collaboration and work collectively to maximize its benefits. He emphasized that with a united effort, youth and sports development in Ghana could achieve unprecedented levels of success.

    The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Service Scheme, Osei Assibey Antwi, acknowledged that this collaboration marks a pioneering initiative. He highlighted the importance of modern perspectives in sports institutions’ administration and branding. Antwi underscored the crucial role of marketing in sports clubs and believed that service personnel could devise innovative marketing strategies to promote local leagues and generate interest in them.

    The signing ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Eric Mensah-Bonsu, the Director of Finance and Administration at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs. Juliana Ado-yobo, the legal officer for the Ministry, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu – Asare, the Executive Chairman of the LOC-13th African Games, Ben Nunoo Mensah, the President of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Samson Deen, the President of the Ghana Paralympic Committee, Kudjoe Fianoo of GHALCA, Joseph Appiah, the Chief Accountant of the National Sports College, and Sarfo Oduro Nyarko, the administrative manager of GHALCA, among others.

    This landmark partnership underscores Ghana’s dedication to promoting sports development, nurturing young talent, and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application.

  • Post NSP to Volta Region to help out Akosombo Dam spillage victims – Opanyin Agyekum

    Post NSP to Volta Region to help out Akosombo Dam spillage victims – Opanyin Agyekum

    A Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana’s School of Languages, Professor Kofi Agyekum, has entreated the National Service Secretariat to consider posting 2023/2024 personnel residing in the Volta Region to areas affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

    In an interview on Peace FM, Professor Kofi Agyekum expressed worry over the challenges facing teaching and learning in the affected communities.

    Several districts, encompassing South, Central, and North Tongu in the Volta Region, have been at the forefront of this crisis. The communities of Battor, Tefle, Mepe, Sogakope, Adidome, and Anlo have been inundated.

    The schools in these communities have been flooded, and to address the issue of teaching and learning in the interim, make-shift structures have been erected.

    On education, Professor Kofi Agyekum said, “What matters to me is the schools. Those in Junior High School (JHS). I’m happy to see some relief. I was so happy to see a truck with student text books. I know the students whose schools have been flooded.”

    To help out with education and other matters, the senior lecturer noted that it would be wise enough for individuals rendering their services to the country to be deployed to some of the affected areas to help with the education of affected students.


    “The National Service personnel have just been posted. So the National Service Secretariat should take its attention there so that this year’s personnel who are in that area, the majority of them, should be sent there to teach and help until the water recedes. So this is when we need them,” he said.

    The impact of the dam spillage on the affected individuals has been profound, with over 26,000 people rendered homeless and displaced, according to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NaDMO).

  • Banker and his former side chick ordered to file submission within 7 days

    Banker and his former side chick ordered to file submission within 7 days

    The High Court in Accra has instructed banker Ernest Kwasi Nimako to submit his written arguments for his application to dismiss the sexual harassment case filed by former National Service Personnel Deborah Sayram Adablah within seven days.

    In May 2023, Mr. Nimako filed a motion seeking to have the court dismiss the case brought by Ms. Adablah, which alleges sexual harassment among other claims.

    Ms. Adablah had taken Mr. Nimako, who was then the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) of First Atlantic Bank, to court in January of the same year.

    However, on July 21, 2023, the bank was cleared of any wrongdoing and removed from the lawsuit by the court, following a counter application by the bank’s lawyers. This left Mr. Nimako as the sole defendant in the case.

    The court awarded costs of GHc6,000 against Ms. Adablah, who is the plaintiff, and a vehicle that was part of the dispute was surrendered as per the court’s order.

    During the court session on Monday, October 16, 2023, lawyers representing Kwasi Nimako requested that the application seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed be given priority.

    Counsel for Deborah Sayram Adablah, who is the respondent in this application and the plaintiff in the main case, agreed with the submission by the banker’s legal team.

    Justice John Bosco Nabarese, who now presides over the case following the transfer of the previous judge, Justice Olivia Obeng Owusu, set timelines for the parties.

    The court ordered Mr. Nimako to submit his written arguments by October 23, while Ms. Adablah’s legal team was given seven days to respond upon being served with the submissions.

    Justice Nabarese emphasized that there would be no allowances for delays in adhering to the set timeframes.

    The case has been adjourned to October 31 for the court to schedule a date for ruling. Both Ernest Nimako and Deborah Sayram Adablah were present.

    Two other pending applications in the case include a Contempt application filed on June 6 and another filed by the plaintiff challenging the court’s orders to have the disputed vehicle surrendered, which was filed on June 16.

    The plaintiff contends that despite the assurances from Mr. Nimako that he would leave the bank and not accept a contract, he made representations and assurances to her that he would provide her with the following:

    “Lump sum working capital to start a business, pay for her accommodation/Rent for 3 years, buy her a car, Pay her GHc3,000.00 a month, buy plaintiff a ring and pay her medical and other bills including paying for her to undergo a family planning treatment so that she will not give birth in the short term.”

    Additionally, she claimed that Mr. Nimako vowed to marry her after divorcing his wife, citing the irreconcilable differences in his relationship with his wife and the breakdown of their marriage as the reasons. This commitment was made during their intimate relationship that began in the living room.

    The Plaintiff per her claims is seeking the following reliefs;

    a) An order that the 1s defendant transfers the title of car No. GC -7899-21 into the name of the plaintiff and or an order directed at DVLA to Register Car No.GC-7899-21 into the name of the Plaintiff as the owner.

    b) A refund of the cost of repairs of Ghc10,000.00 which 1s Defendant promised to refund to the plaintiff but failed.

    c) An order that the Defendants pay to the Plaintiff the following:
    (i) 1st Defendant pays lump sum money to the plaintiff to enable the plaintiff to start a business to take care of herself as agreed by the plaintiff and the 1st Defendant.

    (ii) 1st Defendant pays the remaining two (2) years rent for Plaintiff’s accommodation or to pay the same amount for the remaining two (2) years at the same rate at an alternative accommodation.

    (iii) 1st Defendant to pay the outstanding arrears of Plaintiff’s monthly allowance from July 2022 to the date of Judgment and pay all medical expenses as a result of the side effects of the Family Planning treatment.

    (iv) General damages against the Defendants.
    (d) Any other reliefs) the Court deems necessary including legal costs.

  • NSS cautions personnel to beware of fake reposting arrangements

    NSS cautions personnel to beware of fake reposting arrangements

    The National Service Scheme (NSS) has issued a warning to all national service personnel regarding the spread of misinformation on NSS reposting through social media.

    The NSS has identified an individual named Mr. Victor NSS, reachable at phone number 054831412, as the source of false information regarding the deployment systems for service personnel in the Teaching, Agriculture, and Accounting Aid sectors.

    The Scheme continued to reveal that, the “Mr. Victor NSS” is luring unsuspecting NSS personnel to contact him and pay some amount of money for a change of postings. The NSS maintains there is no such arrangement.

    “The Scheme does not know any such person as MR. VICTOR NSS. No such individual has been contracted to deal with the public for and on behalf of the Scheme.”

    “Management therefore wishes to strongly advise all National Service Personnel and the public to ignore the false information being circulated, and any other similar falsehoods, and to treat them with the contempt that they deserve,” it stated.

    The NSS management has advised individuals with valid reasons for requesting a change of their assigned posting location to visit their nearest NSS office to make such a request.

    “Finally, Management wishes to advise all national service personnel and the public to directly contact any of the Scheme’s Regional or District Secretariats, or the headquarters to have their grievances addressed,” it added.

  • Air Force Headquarters throw send-off party for NSS personnel

    On Friday, September 29, 2023, a grand farewell celebration was organized for the 2022/2023 National Service Scheme (NSS) personnel who had dedicated a year of their service at the Air Force Headquarters (AFHQ).

    The event took place at the Air Force Officers’ Mess, marking the successful completion of their service tenure.

    The occasion was brimming with heartfelt conversations and interactions, providing an opportunity for these service personnel to engage with officers, airmen, and defense civilian staff.

    Amidst the joyous moments, the National Service Personnel took a moment to express their gratitude to the Command and all Air Force personnel for their invaluable guidance, mentorship, and advice throughout their service.

    These service personnel highlighted that the knowledge and experience gained during their service had not only enriched their lives but had also instilled in them a strong sense of discipline.

    They recognized that this discipline would serve them well as they ventured into the job market, where they aimed to make meaningful contributions to national development.

    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), AVM Bekoe, made a brief appearance during the event, engaging with the Service Personnel and extending his well-wishes.

    In a speech delivered on behalf of the CAS by Air Commodore Eric Yirenkyi, the Chief Staff Officer at Air Force Headquarters, he commended the service personnel for their dedication and hard work. He encouraged them to leverage the skills they had acquired to excel in their future endeavors.

    Air Commodore Yirenkyi further advised the service personnel to remain proactive in updating their skills, recognizing the importance of staying relevant in the ever-evolving job market.

  • NSS releases placements for 122,275 personnel for 2023/2024 service

    The National Service Secretariat (NSS) has announced the release of placements for 122,275 prospective national service personnel for the upcoming 2023/2024 service year.

    According to a statement issued by the Executive Secretary of the NSS, Osei Assibey Antwi, the first batch of placements has been made in various sectors of the economy for the one-year mandatory national service.

    The statement also noted that a second batch of placements will be released at a later date.

    All selected service personnel are required to follow the validation and registration process, which includes the following steps:

    1. Visit the NSS website at www.nss.gov.gh to check for your placement.
      2. Print the appointment letter and proceed to the designated place of posting for endorsement.
      3. Book an appointment online for the date and time for registration after the endorsement.
      4. Furthermore, the statement indicated that students should go to the assigned NSS Regional Validation and Registration Centre with their endorsed appointment letter and a valid Ghana Card to complete the registration process.

      The regional validation and registration process is scheduled to commence on Monday, October 16, 2023, at centers located across the country.

      The 2023/2024 National Service Year is set to begin on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

      The NSS management strongly discouraged any attempts to change placements, emphasizing that they do not support such requests. Service personnel were cautioned against contacting faceless individuals or groups for assistance in changing their postings.

      The NSS management concluded by extending best wishes to all deployed service personnel as they embark on their civic and patriotic duties in service to Mother Ghana.

    1. 122,275 personnel deployed by NSS for 2023/2024 service

      A total of 122,275 potential national service personnel have been assigned to various institutions throughout the nation for their obligatory one-year national service during the 2023/2024 period.

      These individuals encompass the 2023 graduates from accredited tertiary institutions in Ghana, defaulters who submitted their placement applications, as well as private registrants.

      Regional validation and registration processes are scheduled to commence on Monday, October 16, 2023, at designated centers across the country. This arrangement is intended to accommodate prospective service personnel who are still in the process of completing their academic programs.

      The commencement date for the 2023/2024 National Service year is set for Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

      This information was conveyed through a press release dated Friday, September 29, 2023, bearing the signature of Osei Assibey Antwi, the Executive Director of the National Service Scheme.

      In the statement, NSS management explicitly stated their non-support for the alteration of placements and issued a warning to personnel against engaging with anonymous individuals or groups who claim to possess the ability to modify their assignments.

    2. ‘Arise in the spirit of patriotism and serve Ghana our motherland’ – Dept. Education Minister tells NSS personnel

      ‘Arise in the spirit of patriotism and serve Ghana our motherland’ – Dept. Education Minister tells NSS personnel

      Deputy Minister for Education, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, has stated that national service represents the utmost expression of patriotism among Ghanaians, illustrating their commitment to the country.

      The Member of Parliament for the Asian South constituency articulated that Ghana relies on the collective efforts of its citizens to advance and prosper.

      These sentiments were conveyed during a significant event on Thursday, September 7, known as the “NSS Remembrance Day.” The event featured a flag-raising ceremony held at the forecourt of the Ghana National Service Scheme headquarters.

      Its purpose was to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Service Scheme and to pay tribute to the fallen heroes who had dutifully served the nation through their participation in national service.

      Mr Ntim Fordjour thus urged the youth to emulate the patriotism of these persons.

      “Let us arise in the spirit of patriotism and serve Ghana our motherland beyond partisan, religious or tribal rhetorics that divide us. Ghana National Service Scheme has impacted our national development and will therefore be strengthened to deliver an enhanced mandate of building entrepreneurship, innovation and employable skills among our youth.”

      In the midst of these developments, it has come to light that the National Service Scheme (NSS) currently owes its personnel two months’ allowances, a situation that has placed them in a state of financial distress.

      In an effort to alleviate the economic challenges faced by beneficiaries, the institution had recently raised their allowances from GHS559 to GHS713.

      In response to this, the Ghana National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) has issued a call to the National Service Scheme, urging them to promptly settle the outstanding arrears owed to their members.