National Service Postings Out

The National Service Scheme (NSS) has posted a total of 60,350 personnel to undertake their national duties in various parts of the country for the 2011/12 service year.

Out of the total number deployed, 34,015 were sent to educational institutions. This constitutes 25,094 to basic schools, 4,956 to Senior High Schools and 2,965 to tertiary institutions.

In addition, 4,518 personnel were sent to the health sector, 16,801 to Local Government, Ministries and Department Agencies and 5,016 to the private sector.

Other personnel were posted to work on the scheme's agricultural project while others have been deployed to the Ghana Tourist Board to promote tourism, which is featured prominently in the scheme's programme.

These postings were disclosed by Vincent Senam Kuagbenu, Executive Director of the scheme at a press briefing held at the service secretariat headquarters in Accra.

The executive director observed that service personnel could access their posting online starting September 27, 2011, adding, 'Service begins on 1 st October, 2011.'

Mr. Kuagbenu also noted that recruitment of voluntary personnel would take place immediately after the deployment of the mandatory National Service Personnel, to fill vacancies that existed in hard to reach schools.

'A total of 5,000 volunteers will be recruited to teach in deprived schools, especially those in the three Northern regions, Volta, Brong-Ahafo and parts of the Central and Western regions,' he said.

He also stated that few volunteers with some specific skills would also be recruited to work on the agricultural project of the scheme.

Kuagbenu further added that the scheme would, from next year, recruit graduates of colleges of education that have been accredited to full tertiary institutions, onto the scheme.

'Consultations with stakeholders are concluded to pave way for commencement of the process of enrolment,' said Kuagbenu.

He further indicated that the scheme had successfully organized the first ever stakeholders' conference and exhibition. This, he said, brought together over 500 corporate institutions and individuals to brainstorm on the scheme's activities.

The executive director of the scheme finally urged service personnel to accept postings to any part of this country as their civic responsibility to mother Ghana.

'National Service should be seen as a national duty call and not punishment,' he emphasized.

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri