Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has plans to make National Service optional, which has angered some former and present NSS members.
The NPP flagbearer has drawn criticism from service members who believe that rather than making it optional, he should concentrate on improving working conditions for national service personnel.
The service members contend that since the national service program is intended to teach recent graduates about various industries and work ethics, making it optional will only hurt newly graduated students.
Since National Service is a means of giving back to the state, I believe it ought to be required. One year of mandatory national service is also an opportunity for people to gain experience. One former employee stated, “If national service is optional, it is a way to encourage people to leave the country right after school because some people are even hired after serving their time.
According to a fellow employee, the mandatory nature of the service is necessary because it “imbues in service personnel patriotism and a way of showing appreciation.”
Prof. Edward Brenya, a political analyst and the head of KNUST’s Department of History and Political Studies, challenged the notion, pointing out that National Service members work in rural areas. He also emphasized that as patriotic citizens, this is the time to give back to the nation.
“The employees provide vital services because they work in places where most people wouldn’t go, but they are still there because they are needed.” They are also present when IMF conditions prevent the government from hiring the necessary number of workers.
