The National Service Authority (NSA) of Ghana has welcomed a new Board Chairman, Okai Mintah, a prominent entrepreneur, youth activist, and Chairman of the National Youth Working Committee. President John Dramani Mahama appointed Mr. Mintah, whose tenure commenced immediately following a swearing-in ceremony held at the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment on May 19, 2025. The appointment underscores President Mahama’s focus on youth empowerment and leveraging young talent in key national institutions. Mr. Mintah’s diverse background in business, technology, and youth leadership positions him to bring a fresh perspective and innovative approach to the NSA, a crucial institution in Ghana’s national development framework. His selection signals a potential shift in the NSA’s strategic direction, with an emphasis on utilizing technology and entrepreneurship to enhance the service experience for young Ghanaians.
During the swearing-in ceremony, George Opare Addo Esq., the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, emphasized the weight of the task ahead for the new board. He articulated President Mahama’s high expectations for the NSA’s transformation and growth under their leadership. The Minister stressed the importance of diligently executing their duties and aligning the Authority’s trajectory with the President’s vision. This underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the NSA’s role in national development and its focus on ensuring its effective contribution to youth development and national service. The appointment of Mr. Mintah, with his proven leadership in youth engagement, signifies the government’s intention to bridge the gap between policy and the needs of young Ghanaians undergoing national service.
A key challenge highlighted by the Minister was the pervasive issue of “ghost names” on the NSA’s payroll. This fraudulent practice, involving the registration of non-existent personnel to siphon funds, has plagued the Authority for some time. While acknowledging the complexity of this issue, the Minister commended the NSA for its recent success in removing approximately 2,000 ghost names, demonstrating a commitment to financial transparency and accountability. He urged the new board to prioritize and intensify efforts to completely eradicate this practice, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to support legitimate service personnel. This signifies the government’s resolve to address corruption and ensure that public funds are utilized appropriately for the intended beneficiaries of the national service program.
In his acceptance speech, Okai Mintah expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and the board by President Mahama. He pledged their unwavering dedication to fulfilling their responsibilities diligently and leveraging their collective experience to achieve the NSA’s strategic objectives. Mr. Mintah’s statement reflects a commitment to collaborative leadership, working closely with the NSA’s management team to realize the Authority’s full potential. This collaborative approach suggests a focus on building strong partnerships within the organization and with relevant stakeholders to optimize the national service experience and its impact on national development.
Okai Mintah brings a wealth of experience and qualifications to his new role. As a successful entrepreneur, he possesses a deep understanding of business dynamics and strategic management. His certification as a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and a Project Management Professional (PMP) demonstrates his expertise in technology, information security, and project execution, valuable assets for leading a public institution in the digital age. These qualifications underscore his ability to leverage technology for process improvement, data analysis, and enhanced service delivery within the NSA.
Furthermore, Mr. Mintah’s diverse academic background, including a Bachelor of Laws degree from Brunel University London, an Executive Development 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, equips him with a comprehensive understanding of legal, managerial, and operational principles. This broad-based education provides a solid foundation for navigating the complexities of public administration and policy implementation within the NSA. His combined experience and education suggest a strategic focus on modernizing the NSA’s operations, improving efficiency, and enhancing the overall service experience for young Ghanaians contributing to national development through the national service program.
