The Deputy Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ntim Fordjour has charged Ghanaians especially the National Service personnel to arise in the spirit of patriotism and serve mother Ghana beyond partisan, religious or tribal rhetoric that can divide the nation.
Hon. Fordjour made this known during the NSS 50th Remembrance Day and a Flag-Raising Ceremony held in Accra at the forecourt of the Service Headquarters, to remember all falling service personnel who died along whilst in service.
Ghana’s economy the Deputy Minister hinted, can also be transformed through NSS and urged all service personnel to serve with their ability.
The Deputy Minister expressed appreciations to the falling service personnel for paying their dues well towards the development of mother Ghana as far as the sustainability of NSS is concerned.
NSS he stated, has impacted positively into the lives of many Ghanaian students who are now occupying higher positions in the country.
The Executive Director of NSS, Mr. Osei Assibey Antwi commended the falling heroes for serving NSS and the nation with dedication and selflessness.
Mr. Assibey however, tasked the current Service Personnel to emulate their predecessors dedication, patriotism, hardworking and selflessness.
In his statement, the Director General for the State Interests and Governance Authority’s (SIGA), Ambassador Edward Boateng said, SIGA remains committed to working hand in hand with the NSS to further enhance its impact on the national development .
“Together, we will continue to provide opportunities for our youth to grow, learn, and serve their nation with pride”.
He further stated, “we must also acknowledge the visionaries, leaders, and dedicated staff who have tirelessly worked to ensure the success of the NSS over the years. Their unwavering commitment to the betterment of our country deserves our recognition and appreciation”.
He mentioned that, NSS over the past five decades, has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academia and practical experience for the young graduates and instilling in them a sense of national duty and pride.
“As we celebrate this golden jubilee, let us also reflect on the achievements and milestones of the past five decades, drawing inspiration to propel NSS into an even brighter future”.
NSS Ambassador Boateng indicated, has not only been a launching pad for young talents but also, a source of invaluable support to numerous public and private sector organizations across Ghana.
The GJA President, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumour on behalf of the Association, reassured Management of NSS of their commitment to continue supporting and collaborating with the NSS for it to achieve its desired goals.
“The story of NSS and how it has evolved over the last half-century is most compelling and commendable”.
He expressed appreciations to the program’s visionaries for conceiving the commendable idea, which has helped many Ghanaians to survive in the job market and provide for themselves over the years.
“Over the years, the program has instilled in our students a sense of discipline and patriotism, which has contributed to the growth and development of the nation”.
GJA he hinted, has brought back the ‘Best Student Journalist of the Year’ award at this year’s GJA Media Awards. where Students who produced journalistic works in 2022 may petition for recognition at the flagship convention of the Ghana Journalist Association.
The objective of the award category for the ‘Best Student Journalist of the Year’ according to the GJA President, is to instill a culture of excellence and professionalism in students even before they graduate from school and join the world of work.
NSS is to roll out a series of activities, including fun games such as hiking and canopy walkways, football matches, gala matches involving staff and service personnel, cultural night festivals, awards ceremonies, dinner nights, and thanksgiving services.
The events is to be spread throughout the coming year as part of the Scheme’s 50th-anniversary celebration programme.
The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a Government of Ghana program under the Ministry of Education of Ghana with a National Secretariat in Accra, and offices in all administrative regions and districts across the country.
A bill which was passed by The Head Of State, Ignatius Kutu Acheampong in 7th September, 1973.
The scheme is mandated to deploy a pool of skilled manpower drawn primarily from tertiary institutions to support the development efforts of both the public and private sectors in Ghana.
The original intent of deploying freshly graduating youth under the NSS arrangement is to ensure that priority sectors of our national life are never lacking in the requisite human resources needed for development.
