NASPA elects new executives

The National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) has successfully concluded its the 41st Annual National NASPA Congress, held at the Canadian Dreams Hotel in Koforidua from September 27 to 29, 2024.

The colourful event brought together 60 Regional Executives of NASPA and several stakeholders from across the country.

The congress, focused on addressing key issues in national service activities, featured discussions on innovative solutions, idea-sharing, and the election of new executives for the 2024–2025 service year.

The congress culminated in the much-anticipated NASPA national elections on September 29, 2024. Nine Regional Executives competed for five national positions, namely President, General Secretary, Financial Secretary, Organising Secretary, and Women's Commissioner.

The election saw significant interest from stakeholders and delegates alike, highlighting the importance of the positions for the future of NASPA.

The newly elected executives are President Andy Amuaku, General Secretary Justice Tetteh, Financial Secretary Reuben Nketiah, Organising Secretary Arafat Ibrahim Mbillah, and Women's Commissioner Christabel Seyram Agbley.

The newly elected NASPA President, Andy Amuaku, expressed his gratitude and optimism following his victory.

"I'm particularly thankful to God for this victory. My executives and I intend to work hard to continue the good works of our predecessor, Gideon Osei, and the rest of the outgoing executives," he said.

Amuaku Andy pledged to build on NASPA's achievements and ensure that the interests of its members are well represented.

He also pointed out the need for unity, especially at a time when other student elections, such as those of the University Students' Association of Ghana (USAG) and the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), have faced significant challenges.

Outgoing NASPA President Gideon Osei offered words of encouragement and caution to the new leadership.

"Let me use this opportunity to congratulate all elected executives. You shouldn't see the position as an avenue for self-aggrandisement. Make sure you promote development and eschew rancour, bickering, and unruly behaviours. They are unpatriotic and certainly not in line with NASPA's ideologies," he advised.

Gideon Osei also lauded the Director-General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Hon. Osei Assibey-Antwi, for his continuous support of NASPA, ensuring the success of the congress and elections.

Despite initial tensions and external influences from various stakeholders, the elections proceeded smoothly, with the results being accepted by all parties.

The successful election further reinforced the commitment of the NSA to upholding the values of democracy within NASPA, serving as a model for other student and graduate associations in the country.

In total, 59 votes were cast, and one electorate didn't vote.

At the Presidential level, Andy Amuaku pulled 34 votes, while Kenny Michael Tetteh managed 25 votes.

The General Secretary was done dealing for Justice Tetteh, who was unopposed.

On the Financial Secretary Position, Reuben Nketiah pulled 30 votes as against Mahamudu Ibrahim 23 votes, and the rejected ballots were 6.

The Organising Secretary bid saw Arafat Ibrahim Mbillah pull 30 votes, with Goddea Asiedu Abourden managing 29 votes.

The Women's Commissioner bid equally saw Christabel Seyram Agbley pull 35 votes as against Nancy Nkrumah's 24 votes.

Meanwhile, the newly elected Executives are now set to lead NASPA into the 2024–2025 service year, with stakeholders expressing optimism about the association's future direction.