Gov’t commits to instilling discipline among NSS personnel through military training

The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to discipline in National Service personnel. This will be achieved through structured military-style training.

Mr. Opare Addo spoke on The Probe. He announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the National Service Authority and the Ghana Armed Forces. This agreement aims to enhance graduates' capacity during their service year.

This initiative aligns with the ruling NDC’s “Resetting the Nation” agenda. It is a key part of the party’s 2024 campaign. The Minister stated, “If you aspire to become a global leader, discipline must be at your core.” He emphasized that military training exemplifies discipline.

The training aims to prepare young people for leadership roles. It focuses on mindset and understanding what leadership demands. Mr. Opare Addo clarified that this program is not physically rigorous military training.

Instead, it seeks to instill values of discipline, resilience, and leadership among youth. “We’re not putting them through boot camp,” he said. “It’s about reconditioning how they think.”

He also addressed concerns about allowances for participation in the training. He noted that no additional payments would be made for this program. “National Service personnel are already paid monthly allowances,” he explained.

If they spend time in capacity-building programs, they still receive regular pay. Therefore, there is no justification for extra allowances.

Mr. Opare Addo emphasized that service postings are determined by qualifications and national needs. “You don’t choose where you want to serve,” he stressed. The scheme assigns individuals based on where their skills are needed most.

The military-led training program will roll out as part of a broader strategy. Its goal is to shape the mindset and professional readiness of Ghana’s future workforce.