National Service Personnel Announce Nationwide Strike Over Unpaid Allowances
The National Service Scheme (NSS) personnel in Ghana have initiated a nationwide strike due to the government’s failure to pay their allowances for the past five months.
The strike was officially declared on July 3, 2024, by the Concerned National Service Scheme Personnel Association of Ghana (CONSPAG).
In their statement, the frustrated personnel emphasized that they are owed five months of allowances, with university graduates owed three months. They noted that, according to NSS regulations, personnel who do not report to their posts for three consecutive months face sanctions. Despite these conditions, they have continued to work without pay.
The association is appealing to public and private stakeholders, including media outlets, to support their cause and advocate for the prompt payment of their allowances.
Previously, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia announced that national service would no longer be mandatory during his tenure. This decision marks a significant shift from the longstanding practice in Ghana, where graduates are required to undertake a year of national service after completing their tertiary education. The move aims to provide graduates with greater flexibility and freedom of choice in determining their post-education path.
However, Vincent Kuagbenu, a former Director of the NSS, raised concerns about Bawumia’s proposal to make the service voluntary if he is elected president. Kuagbenu argued that the proposal reflects a lack of understanding of the significance of national service for both individuals and the country. He emphasized that NSS personnel are not salaried employees but receive stipends, which represent significant savings for the country.
