By:Yesmeen Abubakar Tetteh
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has pledged his continued support to the newly launched National Service Authority (NSA) in his capacity and promised to serve as a patron and provide guidance wherever necessary.
He assured that the next administration, led by his vice president and the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, would build on the foundation laid by the Authority.
Addressing the launch on Friday, October 18, President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence that the National Service Authority would remain at the heart of Ghana’s socio-economic transformation, nurturing the skills and creativity of young people.
“The ongoing progress of our nation depends on the skills, creativity, and innovative potential of our young people.
The National Service Authority will be at the heart of nurturing this potential, collaborating with key institutions to introduce the human capital necessary for Ghana’s socio-economic transformation,” he said.
Established under the National Service Authority Act of 2024, Act 1119, the newly formed Authority is set to play a pivotal role in empowering the youth and driving Ghana’s socio-economic development.
He emphasized his commitment to youth development and national cohesion, noting that the launch marked a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey.
“As President of the Republic, my passion for youth development, national cohesion and the creation of responsible citizens has been at the forefront of my tenure.”
“Since assuming office in 2017, I have consistently pursued initiatives that enhance the growth of the critical mass of young people in this country,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
The President stressed the transformative power of national service programs worldwide, from the United States to Kenya, and the importance of the National Service Scheme (NSS) in Ghana’s development trajectory.
With the elevation of the National Service Scheme into a fully-fledged authority, the President explained that the NSA will now take on a more expansive role in nation-building.
The Authority will deploy graduates and equip them with essential employable skills to prepare them for success in their post-service lives.
The President indicated this ensures that the Authority will mobilize and deploy service personnel and equip them with employable skills, positioning them for greater success in their post-service lives.
The National Service Scheme has been critical in several sectors, including health, education, agriculture, and local governance, deploying some 150,000 graduates annually.
He also emphasized that the scheme saves the country an estimated GH¢3 billion in wage costs.
Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum in his statement lauded the establishment of the National Service Authority, calling it a critical step in aligning Ghana’s youth development with the According to him, the National Service Authority will be a key player in shaping the next generation of Ghana’s workforce. He stressed that through education and service, the government is empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of this country.
The Minister emphasized the remarkable strides made in Ghana’s educational sector under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership and praised the government’s efforts to transform the education system by enhancing infrastructure, introducing innovative learning tools, and expanding access to quality education.
Dr. Adutwum emphasized the substantial reforms in the education sector, highlighting that these changes will serve as a lasting legacy of Nana Akufo-Addo’s leadership in driving the transformative education agenda.
