NSS Defends Plans to Deploy Personnel to Foreign Countries
The National Service Scheme (NSS) has come defend its decision to assign personnel to foreign countries as part of its new decade-long policy.
However, the Scheme has dismissed criticisms, stating that the move is part of its efforts to expand its partnerships and provide opportunities for Ghanaian graduates.
According to Ambrose Esaah, Director of Corporate Affairs at the NSS, “I don’t think there is anything wrong with it.
All the universities have official exchange programmes with universities outside Ghana. So sometimes during their sabbatical leave, they go there officially to understudy some special innovations and projects and then they come back…So why can’t national service also have a similar one?”
Esaah emphasized that the goal is to provide Ghanaian graduates with the opportunity to understudy innovative projects and bring back new skills and knowledge to contribute to the development of the country.
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He assured that the Scheme is not straying from its mandate and will continue to address persistent issues, including the payment of personnel allowances.
However, some stakeholders have raised concerns about the plan, citing brain drain concerns and doubts about the funding of the initiative.
Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, ranking member of Parliament’s Education Committee, clarified that the exchange program’s funding would come from the World Bank and the Gambian government, not the Ghanaian government.
“The recent passage of the National Service Authority Bill 2024 has led to this development,” Nortsu-Kotoe said.
“A clause in the bill allows fresh graduates to be sent overseas, which has raised brain drain concerns. But it is not part of the Act that they should go to Gambia, no.
It is not this government that is going to pay, it is the government of The Gambia and the World Bank that are requesting for this.”
Nortsu-Kotoe emphasized that if other countries are interested in employing Ghanaian national service personnel, it could reduce unemployment levels in the country.
“So be it. It will reduce the unemployment level in the country. But they are asking for teachers specifically not other workers,” he added.
The bill also aims to modify the age limit for national service, allowing those 18 years and above to participate, including those above 40 who may choose not to do national service.
Nortsu-Kotoe said, “We don’t want to limit the national service age to 40. If after 40 you want to do national service, yes you are free to do so 18 years and above.
But if you are 40 and you don’t want to do national service you can apply for exemption and you will be granted.”
As debate continues around this new policy, it remains to be seen whether it will indeed address persistent issues and provide opportunities for Ghanaian graduates or exacerbate brain drain concerns.
The NSS has promised to continue engaging with stakeholders and addressing concerns as it moves forward with its plans.
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