Director-General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Ruth Dela Seddoh, has announced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, expanding employment opportunities and improving the preparedness of national service personnel for the job market.
Speaking at the National Youth Forum in Accra, Ms. Seddoh revealed that the Authority has significantly reduced losses associated with the ghost names scandal through enhanced verification and monitoring measures.
According to her, expenditure linked to irregularities has been reduced from approximately GH¢4 billion to GH¢700 million, representing a major step in protecting public funds and restoring confidence in the national service system.
“This is not merely about saving money; it is about protecting public resources, strengthening accountability and ensuring that every cedi allocated to national service delivers value to the Ghanaian taxpayer,” she said.
The Director-General also highlighted the Authority’s extensive outreach programme, noting that NSA officials have visited 152 tertiary institutions nationwide to educate students about national service opportunities and career pathways.
As part of efforts to prepare young people for the global job market, Ms. Seddoh disclosed plans to pursue an international partnership with Ohio University in the United States. The proposed collaboration is expected to provide training and capacity-building opportunities for national service personnel.
“We are positioning our young people for the demands of the global workplace,” she stated.
She further identified agriculture as a key pillar of the Authority’s employment strategy, revealing that NSA currently operates farms in 14 of Ghana’s 16 regions.
The Authority has also expanded the Papaw Poultry Farm facility from 2,500 to a capacity of 100,000 birds, a move aimed at increasing practical agricultural training and creating employment opportunities for service personnel.
To encourage more youth participation in agriculture, the NSA provides free accommodation, additional stipends and meals for personnel posted to agricultural projects, while offering start-up support to those who choose to venture into agribusiness after service.
Ms. Seddoh said the reforms and programmes form part of the Authority’s broader agenda to equip young people with employable skills while ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of national service.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
