The National Service Scheme (NSS) has announced sweeping reforms aimed at transforming the national service experience into a more efficient, transparent, and impactful system that prioritizes the welfare of service personnel.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, the Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Ruth Dela Seddoh, said the reforms are in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s research and development agenda, which seeks to enhance public service delivery and empower young graduates as they transition into the world of work.
“Today, we begin a new chapter,” she declared. “We are transforming national service into a seamless, impactful experience where personnel’s welfare is our top priority. Our mission is no longer just about placement it is about national renewal and unlocking the most powerful resource we have: the talent, energy, and passion of our young people.”
Madam Seddoh explained that under the new system, the one-year mandatory service period will serve as a defining stage for graduates, helping them bridge the gap between academia and professional life.
She emphasized that the Scheme is adopting a “new mindset of constant improvement, dedication, and action,” adding that “the era of complication is over.”
According to her, management has rolled out a series of flagship initiatives supported by a comprehensive digital transformation agenda, designed to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
A key highlight of the reform, she said, is the creation of a modern digital portal to connect graduates with service opportunities that align with their skills, interests, and career goals.
“This new digital system will make it easier for graduates to find placements that truly reflect their abilities and passions, while also meeting the nation’s development needs,” she noted.
Addressing recent criticisms of the Scheme, Madam Seddoh assured the public that the new leadership team is focused on rebuilding trust and promoting accountability.
“In recent times, the Authority has been in the news for all the wrong reasons,” she admitted. “This negative image does not reflect who we are or what we stand for. Management is implementing positive initiatives across financial control, agricultural reforms, community improvement, and personnel training to change the narrative.”
On financial management, the NSS boss revealed that in May 2025, two staff members from the Birim North District Office were interdicted for their alleged involvement in processing unauthorized allowances for personnel on study leave.
“We acknowledge that weak financial controls in the past have cost the state millions of cedis in taxpayers’ money,” she said. “To address this, we have introduced stringent measures with proper banking trails and are working closely with the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department to ensure payroll fraud becomes a thing of the past.”
She reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and accountability, pledging that the new reforms will not only benefit service personnel but also strengthen national development efforts.
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Source: Frederick Kofi Thompson-Quartey/ATLFMNEWS
