The National Service Authority (NSA) of Ghana, responsible for managing the national service program for graduates, has been tasked with a critical mission: to eradicate ghost names from its payroll and restore public trust. Hon. George Opare-Addo Esq., the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, delivered this charge during the inauguration ceremony of the newly appointed NSA board. Acknowledging the program’s importance in youth development and national progress, the Minister underscored the urgency of addressing the corruption and mismanagement that have plagued the institution, particularly the issue of ghost names, which drains resources and undermines the scheme’s credibility. He emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and technological advancements to streamline operations and regain public confidence. The Minister’s call to action sets the stage for a renewed focus on efficiency and integrity within the NSA.
The Minister emphasized that the National Service Scheme represents a crucial platform for Ghanaian youth to contribute to national development while gaining valuable experience and honing their skills for future success. He argued that the scheme’s potential cannot be fully realized until the challenges of mismanagement and corruption are effectively addressed. The ghost names scandal, in particular, has diverted resources that should be utilized to empower young people and support their development. Hon. Opare-Addo urged the new board to embrace this opportunity to reimagine the future of the NSA, correcting past mistakes and building a forward-looking institution that effectively serves the needs of Ghana’s youth. This involves leveraging technology to improve internal systems and ensuring that transparency and efficiency are at the core of the NSA’s operations.
The new board has been given a clear mandate: to reshape the NSA into a transparent, efficient, and youth-focused institution. The Minister expressed confidence in the board’s ability to meet the high expectations placed upon them, urging them to prioritize the interests of Ghana’s youth. He further emphasized the importance of collaboration with government agencies, private sector organizations, and NGOs to ensure that service personnel are deployed in meaningful roles that contribute to national development. This collaborative approach is essential to maximize the impact of the National Service Scheme and ensure that it serves as a valuable bridge between education and employment for young Ghanaians.
To further empower service personnel and promote a culture of innovation and self-reliance, the Minister proposed the creation of a dedicated fund to support entrepreneurial ventures initiated by participants in the scheme. This fund would provide crucial resources for young entrepreneurs to develop and implement innovative solutions to pressing social and economic challenges. By fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship, the NSA can contribute to job creation and economic growth, empowering young people to become drivers of change within their communities. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of equipping the youth with the skills and resources they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
In response to the Minister’s charge, the newly appointed Chairman of the NSA board, Mr. Okai Mintah, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged the board’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling their responsibilities diligently and effectively. He recognized the immense potential of the NSA and expressed confidence that, through effective leadership and collaboration with management, the board would achieve the strategic goals set forth for the institution. Mr. Mintah’s acceptance of the challenge highlights the board’s dedication to revitalizing the NSA and ensuring that it effectively serves the interests of Ghana’s youth.
Mr. Okai Mintah brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chairman. His background as a seasoned entrepreneur with interests in various sectors, coupled with his qualifications as a Chartered Arbitrator, Certified Information Systems Auditor, and Project Management Professional, positions him well to lead the NSA through this period of transformation. His academic credentials, including a law degree from Brunel University London, a certificate in Supply Chain Management and Logistics from the University of Ghana Business School, and a BSc in Business Administration from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, further demonstrate his comprehensive understanding of the complexities of business and management. This combination of practical experience and academic knowledge makes him well-suited to guide the NSA towards achieving its strategic objectives.
