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23.11.2014 Feature Article

I WILL TELL THE BIG SIX – SOLUTIONS TO THE NSS ROT.

I WILL TELL THE BIG SIX – SOLUTIONS TO THE NSS ROT.
23.11.2014 LISTEN

Before Socrates was executed, in his defense he argues according to Plato that if he died at least prevailing beliefs meant he would meet Zeus, Hercules and the other Greek gods to have a more intellectual debate with as compared to the people living on earth since they (the gods) possessed greater levels of knowledge. This may be the reason why I have decided to tell you my thoughts and solicit your great knowledge rather than have discussions with those alive.

BNI EXPOSE
The BNI uncharacteristically recently uncovered huge levels of financial malfeasance at the National Service Secretariat and as usual the media went abuzz with stories and different twists to the said corrupt acts at the NSS secretariat. I have however decided to focus on how to solve this whole problem once and for all. I know after other people get a peek at this highly classified letter I am writing to you, they may I say I am MAD, but well it's my opinion?

'MAD' SOLUTION
My solution is straight forward, CANCEL THE WHOLE NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME. The scheme for over a decade now has lost its relevance to me really, and I don't see the need in maintaining it all. The plan initially was to give people military training and also post them to government priority areas to help stimulate development. However, the opposite is happening. It is reported that that a majority of this year's service personnel were posted to private institutions and companies. I don't get why in spite of the fact that there are several communities in Upper Volta, the three Northern regions of Ghana and other parts of the country where there are shortage of teachers and the government of Ghana and the NSS will prioritize some private corporations instead of addressing this huge gap in our education system.

I actually have a conspiracy theory that the posting of NSP's to private companies and banks are a means of robbing these young lads rather than serving the country. These people are supposed to perform the work of full time employees for GHC 350 a month which doesn't even come on time and hence these private firms instead of employing full time employees to help ease the unemployment situation will rather exploit the National Service Scheme.

THE THEORY
My theory is simple, Cancel the NSS program and in its place institute a national service tax of say a flat rate of GHC 50 for people who otherwise will do national service for the rest of their working life. Thus, if 70,000 personnel are to be posted annually these people will be charged GHC 50 monthly when they start working for the rest of their life which will work up to some 3.5 million Ghana Cedis monthly or 42 million Ghana Cedis annually. Each year let us assume an additional 70, 000 personnel are enrolled this will mean 42 million plus 42 million for eternity that is if our population does not increase. This is a huge amount of money which can be used to finance the free education all political parties agree is good but disagree on when it should be implemented. Alternatively, this money can be used to employ new teachers and be used to improve the quality of educational infrastructure for the rest of our lives as a country, and the good thing is that, the money will keep coming each month all things being equal.

To protect this money a different account will be created and the account will be an open one, managed by an independent body made up of men of integrity like the national house of Chiefs, the Christian council, Chief Imam, NAGRAT, GNAT et al.

I know it won't be easy and others may disagree, but this is a good place to end, I hope I can hear from you soon to get your thoughts on the said matter. Until my next letter or you reply me, bye for now.

Your Grandson,
Albert Opare [email protected]
The Author Albert Opare is a political science graduate from the University of Ghana and a social commentator as well as a social & political activist. He is also a freelance writer.You can contact the author by mail on [email protected] or txt on 0575125101.

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