Acting Director of the Ghana National Service Authority, Felix Gyamfi, has stated that the essence of national service goes beyond simply enhancing resumes.
It should be about broadening perspectives and fostering a deeper understanding of the country, he told Joy FM’s PM Express on Wednesday, February 12.
The new boss of the Authority made a case for reshaping the way young graduates view their year of service.
“We need to change the mindset that national service is just a formality, a box to tick on your CV,” Gyamfi stated.
“National service should be about discovery. It should open minds, not just fill CVs. It should take young people to places they never imagined, give them experiences that shape their worldview, and make them more connected to Ghana as a whole.”
A key part of his vision is to deploy more service personnel to areas where their impact will be most felt, even if that means moving them beyond the familiar corporate spaces in Accra and Kumasi.
He noted that the demand for placements in big corporations is high, but a well-balanced system would require personnel contributing to rural development.
“I am hoping that this year we will achieve 50% parity between the private and public sectors,” he revealed.
“We will be sending service persons to institutions where their service will be truly felt. If that means deploying more people to rural areas, then so be it. It is not just about working in a big company; it’s about making a real difference.”
Mr Gyamfi stressed the importance of exposing young Ghanaians to different parts of the country.
He argued that national service should serve as a means for young people to experience the diversity of Ghana beyond their comfort zones.
“I think we need to give people the opportunity to discover this country,” he said.
“The Tamale or Damongo that people spoke about 10 years ago is not the same place today. Go to Savelugu—it’s a completely different town now. People should see and understand how the rest of the country works.”
In addition to deployment strategies, Felix Gyamfi is committed to leaving behind a robust administrative system that will ensure accountability, efficiency, and timely payments for service personnel.
His priority is to establish a stringent auditing system, standard operating procedures, and a strong payroll framework that will be untouchable for years to come.
“If you were to come 10 or 20 years later, you would dare not touch it,” he declared.
“With a proper payroll system, strict audits, and effective monitoring and evaluation, we can ensure that service personnel are paid on time and the system functions seamlessly.”
Looking ahead, he urged the public to pay close attention to upcoming projects and initiatives from the National Service Authority, which are aimed at aligning with the President’s agenda for youth development.
“We are rolling out a series of projects across the country that will give real meaning to youth empowerment,” he hinted.
“It’s about making national service more impactful and ensuring that young people leave with skills, experiences, and perspectives that go beyond just adding another line to their CVs.”
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