In a strategic shift aimed at aligning with Ghana’s evolving economic landscape, the National Service Authority (NSA) has announced a major policy redirection that will see a greater proportion of service personnel deployed to the private sector.
The Director-General of the Authority, Mr. Felix Gyamfi, disclosed the new approach during an interview with Woezor TV on Monday, May 5, 2025. He explained that the decision is a deliberate response to both the rising financial strain on government resources and the need to enhance employment outcomes for young graduates.
“For far too long, we’ve been sending the majority of our people into the public sector,” Mr. Gyamfi stated. “In the past eight years, only 14 percent of service personnel were deployed to private institutions. This does not reflect the realities of a growing economy where private sector opportunities are expanding.”
According to him, the revised deployment strategy is not only fiscally responsible but also positions graduates for more favorable post-service career outcomes. Data from the Authority suggests that service personnel posted to private firms are more likely to secure employment within three years compared to their counterparts in public institutions.
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Mr. Gyamfi emphasized that increasing private sector placements would also relieve the government of its current financial burden of paying allowances to over 20,000 service personnel monthly. He added that this would improve the timeliness of payments and potentially allow for better remuneration for those remaining in the public sector.
“If we send more people to the private sector, we reduce the financial load on government,” he explained. “The fewer numbers retained in the public sector will receive their allowances promptly—and likely see improved payments.”
The new direction forms part of a broader agenda by the National Service Authority to position Ghanaian graduates with practical skills and workplace exposure that better align with the demands of today’s job market.
Mr. Gyamfi indicated that the shift will be phased in gradually, with ongoing engagement with private sector stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and maximize the value of national service across sectors.