Omanghana
Francis Asare, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Officer for the Biakoye Constituency, has called for the refund of mandatory GH₵60 monthly deductions taken from National Service personnel who did not receive the promised professional training attached to the scheme.
Speaking on the Bubune Morning Show, Asare criticized the decision to deduct funds from the already limited monthly allowances of service personnel without ensuring that the intended training program was properly delivered.
He argued that graduates across different academic disciplines have diverse career needs, making a compulsory, uniform training model unsuitable for everyone.
Calls for Refund of Deductions
According to Asare, any National Service personnel who paid the GH₵60 monthly charge but failed to benefit from the training should receive their money back.
He maintained that participation in career development programs should be based on choice rather than imposed through automatic deductions.
A “one-size-fits-all” approach, he argued, does not adequately address the professional development needs of graduates from various fields.
He stressed that withholding funds for a service that was not provided undermines trust and fairness.
Concerns Over GH₵60 Monthly Charge
The controversial deductions were introduced as part of a proposed Career Readiness and Professional Development Program designed to equip National Service personnel with additional workplace skills.
The charge was deducted from the monthly allowance of personnel, which stood at GH₵715, sparking criticism from many service personnel who questioned the decision-making process and lack of consultation.
Several graduates expressed concerns that they were being compelled to pay for a program they had not requested and, in some cases, had not accessed.
Training Program Faces Scrutiny
The initiative, developed through a partnership between the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) and Zeus Atlas Limited, was intended to provide career-focused training aimed at improving employability and workplace readiness.
The program reportedly sought to support young graduates with skills such as:
- Professional development
- Workplace preparedness
- Career planning
- Entrepreneurship skills
However, questions emerged over its implementation, including whether all affected personnel received the promised training and whether the compulsory payment structure was justified.
Government Suspends Program and Deductions
Following widespread public criticism from National Service personnel and stakeholders, authorities moved to halt the initiative.
The Sector Minister for Youth, Empowerment, and Development, together with the National Service Authority (NSA) Board, directed the immediate suspension of both the deductions and the training program.
The suspension is intended to allow a comprehensive review of the policy, including concerns about transparency, consultation, implementation, and value for money.
Growing Debate Over National Service Reforms
The controversy has reignited discussions about how Ghana’s National Service Program should support young graduates entering the workforce.
While many stakeholders agree that additional professional training can improve employment opportunities, critics argue that such initiatives must be designed transparently and implemented in consultation with the beneficiaries.
As the review continues, pressure is mounting on authorities to clarify how funds already deducted were used and whether affected National Service personnel will receive refunds.
For many graduates, the issue has become a broader question about fairness, accountability, and ensuring that youth development programs deliver measurable benefits.
Source: Omanghana
