The Director-General of the Ghana National Service Authority, Felix Gyamfi, has promised an increment in allowances for National Service Personnel amidst rising inflation. Read on for updates on this and the upcoming short military training initiative.
In response to the growing calls from National Service Personnel for a review of their allowances, the Director-General of the Ghana National Service Authority (NSA), Felix Gyamfi, has revealed that discussions are underway to increase the GHC 715 allowance currently being paid to Service Personnel.
The move comes amid concerns from Service Personnel about the rising inflation and the increasing cost of living that have made it difficult for many to sustain themselves on the current stipend. According to Mr. Gyamfi, the government, under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is aware of the challenges faced by National Service Personnel and is considering an increment.
In an interview on 3FM Sunrise with Helen Appiah-Ampofo on Wednesday, April 2, Mr. Gyamfi emphasized that the current allowance is insufficient for personnel and that adjustments are being explored to ensure the stipend becomes more sustainable. “The current allowance of GHC 715 is inadequate, especially with the increasing cost of living. We are in talks with the government to come up with a more sustainable solution that will better cater to the needs of Service Personnel,” Mr. Gyamfi said.
A Change in Allowances – A Solution in Progress
National Service Personnel have long complained about the insufficient allowance they receive, especially given the high inflation rate and economic conditions in Ghana. The current allowance, GHC 715, has been a point of contention, with many personnel arguing that it does not meet their basic needs.
In light of this, Felix Gyamfi confirmed that discussions are ongoing between the National Service Authority and the government, with the aim of increasing the allowance to a more sustainable level that can better address the financial challenges facing personnel.
“The GHC 715 allowance, I must say, is not enough. The government has recognized this, and we are in discussions to see how best we can adjust this figure in a way that will benefit all Service Personnel. We understand how difficult it is for them to make ends meet with the current stipend,” he added.
Ensuring Security and Comfort for Service Personnel
In addition to the ongoing conversations about allowances, Felix Gyamfi also highlighted the importance of providing security and comfort for Service Personnel. He tasked District Managers of the Ghana National Service Authority to ensure that all personnel are adequately housed and accommodated in their respective districts.
“District Managers should go back to their respective districts and work on securing accommodation for Service Personnel. This is a priority, as we want to ensure that all personnel feel secure and comfortable during their service year,” Gyamfi stressed.
Short Military Training for Service Personnel
Further developments on President John Mahama’s administration’s plans to introduce short military training for National Service Personnel were also mentioned during the interview. The Director-General confirmed that discussions on this initiative are already ongoing, and there are plans to kick off the training in 2025.
This initiative, which was introduced by President Mahama during his first State of the Nation Address in February 2025, aims to instill a sense of discipline, fitness, and responsibility among young people in the National Service program. The goal is to better prepare Service Personnel for the physical and mental challenges of serving the nation.
“We are hoping to begin the military training this year, and we believe it will significantly help improve the discipline and physical fitness of our Service Personnel,” Mr. Gyamfi added.
A Bright Future for National Service Personnel
The promise of an increase in allowances and the upcoming military training reflect a growing commitment from the Ghana National Service Authority to improve the welfare of Service Personnel. While the current stipend remains a contentious issue, the ongoing discussions signal a potential change that could greatly benefit the personnel who play a vital role in Ghana’s development.
Additionally, the military training initiative is expected to provide Service Personnel with skills that will benefit them both during their service and beyond, ensuring they leave their service year equipped with valuable life skills.
In conclusion, Felix Gyamfi’s commitment to addressing the financial and logistical challenges faced by National Service Personnel is a step in the right direction. The government’s engagement in increasing allowances and providing the necessary infrastructure for accommodation is commendable, and the introduction of military training will add a new dimension to the National Service experience. Service Personnel are expected to benefit significantly from these changes in the coming years.
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