President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially launched the National Service Authority (NSA) at the Ridge Arena, Alisa Hotel in Accra, marking a significant milestone in Ghana's efforts towards youth empowerment and national development.
The launch was attended by key dignitaries, including the Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Deputy Ministers of State, business leaders, and traditional authorities.
Commitment
Speaking during the launch, President Akufo-Addo expressed his commitment to youth development, national cohesion, and citizen responsibility. He highlighted that since assuming office in 2017, his government has consistently prioritised initiatives that promote the growth of young people, whose talents and energies are crucial to driving the nation’s development agenda.
The President emphasised the importance of the National Service Scheme (NSS) in the nation’s development trajectory, particularly in sectors like education, health, and agriculture. According to him, over 150,000 graduates are deployed annually through the NSS, with 50,000 serving in the education sector alone. This contribution, he said, saves the country approximately 3 billion cedis in wage costs each year.
Expansive role
"The transformation of the National Service Scheme into a fully-fledged Authority under Act 1119 will enable it to take on a more expansive role in nation-building. The NSA will now have the mandate to mobilise, deploy personnel and equip them with employable skills for future success,” he mentioned.
The President further expressed confidence that his vice president, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, would continue to build on the foundation laid, ensuring the NSA remains a driving force in youth development. He commended the Director-General of the NSA, Osei Assibey Antwi, for his leadership and commitment to youth development, adding that the establishment of the NSA will be a lasting legacy of Assibey Antwi’s tenure.
Foundation
"I have every confidence that the next administration, led, Inshallah, by my Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will build on this foundation, ensuring that the National Service Authority continues to be a driving force for the development of our youth and the nation at large. I will continue serving as a patron of the NSA, offering guidance and support to ensure its success under the National Authority Act of 2024, Act 1119," he stated.
For his part, the Director General of the National Service Authority, Osei Assibey Antwi, acknowledged the vital role National Service personnel play in various sectors of the economy, noting that their contributions have had a profound impact on the country's growth. He assured that the newly established NSA would provide better deployment opportunities and ensure quality service delivery under the new Act.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, also lauded the President for his commitment to education transformation, particularly in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.
