NASPA suspends capacity-building programme after public backlash over allowance deductions
The National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) has suspended its controversial Capacity Building Programme and announced that no further deductions will be made from the allowances of National Service Personnel for the initiative.
The decision follows increasing protests by service personnel over the compulsory charge for the programme, which many argued was introduced without adequate consultation.
The controversy gained traction on social media after personnel alleged that the programme, reportedly backed by a contract worth more than GHC12.6 million, had been made mandatory despite the absence of their consent.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, July 21, NASPA National President Abdul Wahab Mohammed said the suspension was based on a directive from the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment and the Board of the National Service Authority (NSA) after extensive engagements over concerns raised by service personnel.
"The Capacity Building Programme, as currently structured, is hereby suspended with immediate effect," he announced.
He said NASPA had accepted the directive and would work with the Board and management of the Authority to redesign the programme through broader stakeholder engagement and a review of its funding model.
Mohammed also assured personnel that no additional deductions would be made in connection with the programme.
"We wish to assure every National Service Personnel that there will be no further deductions on behalf of, or in relation to, Zeus Atlas Limited."
According to him, the programme was conceived to equip service personnel with practical skills such as coding, digital marketing, entrepreneurship and vocational training to improve their employability after national service.
He explained that the National Executive Council approved the initiative in December last year after a pilot programme in the Greater Accra Region reportedly received positive feedback.
He added that NASPA later signed a contract with Zeus Atlas Limited to implement the nationwide training programme independently of the National Service Authority.
Mohammed said the estimated contribution of GHC15 per month, amounting to GHC180 over the service year, was intended to cover training materials, practical sessions, certification and other implementation costs.
He noted that NASPA requested the National Service Authority to facilitate the initial GHC60 deduction to offset part of the programme's costs.
He admitted, however, that concerns over the deductions and the level of consultation had highlighted the need for greater engagement with service personnel before implementing major initiatives.
Mohammed said NASPA would immediately begin nationwide consultations involving service personnel, regional and district executives and other stakeholders to redesign the programme, review its affordability and explore the possibility of making it free.