National Service Personnel to Undergo Military Training: Is It a Necessity for Ghana’s Youth?

In an effort to equip Ghana’s youth with essential life skills and build national resilience, the Management of the National Service Authority (NSA) has initiated discussions with the Military High Command on the implementation of the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme (NSERRP). This new initiative, announced by President John Dramani Mahama during his maiden State of the Nation Address on February 27, 2025, aims to provide National Service Personnel (NSPs) with basic military training to foster discipline, patriotism, and physical fitness. The program is set to commence on August 3, 2025, and is expected to last for up to two months.

The Rationale Behind the Military Training

The NSA has already initiated conversations with the Military High Command on how to deliver the training effectively. The Ghana Armed Forces have pledged full support for the programme and assured that they are ready to deliver the required training when the programme rolls out in August 2025.

The training will consist of up to two months of composite basic military drills, including emergency response preparation, physical fitness, and leadership development. In addition to preparing the youth for immediate emergency situations, the training is designed to instill discipline, teamwork, and an understanding of national service beyond their typical roles.

Brigadier General Amoah-Boakye, who represented the Military High Command, highlighted the importance of the programme in preparing young people for societal challenges beyond the traditional workplace. “We must confront the battle against the cancer of illegal mining (galamsey) and reclaim our lands from environmental degradation. We also have to tackle issues like poor sanitation, malaria, and other public health crises,” he said.

This multi-faceted training program will equip young personnel with not just military knowledge but practical skills to contribute positively to Ghana’s development.

Is It a Must for All Personnel to Undergo the Training?

Yes, the training is mandatory for all National Service Personnel (NSPs). As per the current plans, every single National Service Personnel is expected to undergo the two-month military training as part of their service year. It will be a standard component of the National Service experience for all graduates who are eligible to serve. The aim is to instill a sense of unity, discipline, and national responsibility across all service personnel, ensuring that every young person who completes their service is prepared to contribute to the nation’s development.

This mandatory inclusion of military training serves as a strategy to address the country’s pressing issues like galamsey and poor sanitation, fostering a generation of youth who are ready to tackle these problems head-on.

Will the Salaries of Personnel Be Increased?

Currently, National Service personnel receive a stipend of approximately GH₵715.57, which is approximately $54.26 per month. This stipend is provided to cover their basic living expenses during their one-year national service. However, there are concerns about whether this will be enough to cover the costs associated with the extra physical and mental demands of the military training. While the government has not yet confirmed any changes to the monthly allowance for personnel, there are discussions surrounding the possibility of increasing the stipend to reflect the added responsibilities and challenges of the new training regimen.

At GH₵715.57 ($54.26), it is debatable whether this amount is sufficient to motivate young people to fully embrace the program. This amount is far from being considered a living wage, especially for those who may have families or other financial commitments. The increase in stipend will help address the potential financial burden placed on personnel, providing them with the support they need as they undergo additional training while balancing their service commitments.

Can We Really Tackle Galamsey and Other Vices with Just Two Months of Training?

While the goal of preparing young people to fight challenges like illegal mining (galamsey), environmental degradation, and poor sanitation is commendable, the question arises is a two-month military training program enough to equip them for these significant challenges?

Although the training is designed to equip National Service personnel with important skills, it is crucial to recognize that combating complex issues like galamsey and social vices requires more than just basic military drills. It demands long-term strategic efforts, proper resource allocation, and collaborative actions from both government and the security forces. Even though the police, military, and other security agencies have struggled to address galamsey over the years, it remains an ongoing issue with far-reaching consequences.

National Service personnel, even with two months of military training, may not be able to successfully confront such deep-rooted issues without broader support systems and strategic interventions from experienced agencies. While the training will provide them with discipline and readiness, it might not be enough to resolve issues that require years of effort, resources, and expertise.

Will Personnel Be Given Opportunities in the Military or Security Services?

As for whether those who excel during their training will have the opportunity to serve in the Army or any other security service, that question remains uncertain. While the programme is primarily designed to build discipline and national resilience among the youth, there are discussions that those who demonstrate exceptional performance during their two-month training could be considered for future roles within the military or other security services. This could serve as a potential recruitment avenue for the Armed Forces, Police, or other national security institutions, providing motivated and trained personnel to address national security issues.

However, any such move would depend on the evaluation process and the availability of opportunities within these sectors.

Conclusion: A Step in the Right Direction or a Misstep?

The National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme is a bold and visionary initiative that can play an important role in shaping a disciplined and resilient youth population. The program could serve as a stepping stone for young people to gain new skills, increase national pride, and contribute meaningfully to addressing critical national challenges.

However, it is important to recognize that real change comes not from short-term training but from consistent, strategic efforts over time. Tackling national issues like galamsey, poor sanitation, and environmental degradation requires a collective effort from all sectors of society, not just a temporary two-month military exercise.

For this program to be truly effective, it will need to be part of a larger, more comprehensive approach to national development, one that includes long-term planning, collaboration, and adequate support for all involved.

Ultimately, the success of this initiative will depend on how well it is implemented and whether the government is willing to invest the necessary resources to ensure its success. Let’s hope that this is just the beginning of a deeper commitment to reshaping Ghana’s youth and their role in nation-building.