????️ NSS Personnel Offered Optional Six‑Week Military Training Before Postings

Accra, Ghana – June 18, 2025 – In a bold new initiative, the National Service Scheme (NSS) will offer up to six weeks of optional basic military training to the 2025/2026 National Service personnel before they begin their placements. The pilot program is scheduled to start on August 3, 2025, with plans to scale it into a mandatory component from 2026 

????️ Background & Launch Details

• February 27, 2025: President Mahama announced the introduction of short military training for NSS personnel in his State of the Nation Address, aiming to foster discipline, physical fitness, and civic responsibility among Ghanaian youth 

• April 24 & May 4, 2025: The National Service Authority (NSA) confirmed that the program—officially called the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme (NSERRP)—will pilot with 10,000 volunteers, with further high-level planning underway with the Ghana Armed Forces 

???? Objectives of the Training

According to NSA Acting Director-General Felix Gyamfi:

• It seeks to instill discipline, foster teamwork, and build resilience among young graduates.

• Graduates will be better equipped to respond to emergencies, support public health drives, fight against illegal mining (galamsey), and address environmental sanitation issues 

Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment George Opare‑Addo emphasized that this “six‑week training will give us the urgency we need” to reboot patriotism, volunteerism, and structured service ethos among youth 

???? Pilot vs Mandatory Phase

• August 3, 2025: Optional participation for an initial cohort of 10,000 NSS personnel across diverse fields (health, education, agriculture, community policing).

• 2026 Onwards: The training is expected to become compulsory for all National Service personnel, integrated into their service year as a standard module 

???? Reactions & Perspectives

• Youth groups, such as the Western Nzema Youth League, have applauded the initiative for its potential to foster discipline, patriotism, and leadership among young graduates 

• Some service personnel have expressed concerns about the physical demands and logistics, suggesting exemptions for those with health constraints 

• Others note the risk of over-militarizing civilian service, emphasizing alternative strategies like community-building and educational reforms 

???? What to Expect

1. Training Venues: Conducted at Ghana Armed Forces barracks nationwide.

2. Curriculum: Physical drills, leadership sessions, teamwork exercises, emergency response skills.

3. No Extra Pay: Participants receive standard NSS allowances during training, per Minister Opare‑Addo 

✅ Final Thoughts

This optional six-week military training marks a significant step in restructuring Ghana's national service program. With a selective pilot ahead and mandatory integration looming, the initiative promises to reshape the NSS experience—boosting discipline, civic preparedness, and national pride. As rollout progresses, close attention will be paid to its effectiveness, inclusivity, and alignment with the scheme’s broader developmental goals.