Former National Service personnel commend leadership behind scheme’s transformation

A former National Service Personnel (NSP), Samuel Damte, has welcomed the transformation of the Ghana National Service Scheme (NSS) into the National Service Authority (NSA), describing it as a significant step in public-sector reform and youth development.

Speaking in an interview from Ho, Damte noted that the transition from a scheme to an authority marks more than a change in name. Backed by legislation and a newly inaugurated 15-member board chaired by Emmanuel Okai Mintah, the NSA is expected to play a more strategic role in Ghana’s human resource development.

Damte attributed the transformation to a series of reforms initiated under the leadership of the former Executive Director of the NSS, Osei Assibey Antwi.

According to him, the former director’s leadership brought renewed focus to the institution, particularly in the areas of digital innovation, public financial support, and partnerships.

During Assibey Antwi’s tenure, the Scheme introduced several digital tools, including the Metric App, a monitoring and evaluation system that improved real-time tracking of personnel deployment and performance.

His administration also implemented the Biometric Registration and Verification System, aimed at reducing impersonation and ensuring data integrity.

One of the key programmes highlighted was the Accounting Aid Programme, which deployed service personnel to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to assist with financial management.

The initiative also extended to the informal sector, where personnel supported traders and small business owners with basic bookkeeping and financial literacy.

The former director also invested in agriculture-focused projects, converting some NSS farms into agribusiness learning centres to train youth and contribute to national food security.

Strategic collaborations with organisations such as Agri Impact Consult, CAMFED Ghana, and the World Food Programme (WFP) further expanded the scheme’s reach in youth development and sustainable agriculture.

Damte emphasized that as the new Authority takes shape, it is important to acknowledge the reforms that paved the way for its establishment.

“The transformation into an authority reflects years of planning and reform,” he said.

“Recognising the work of past leadership helps ensure that the institution builds on a solid foundation.”