In a bold move aimed at catalyzing economic growth and harnessing the potential of Ghana’s youth, a prominent Ghanaian politician has called for the abolition of the National Service Scheme.
Instead, he proposes redirecting its substantial budget towards entrepreneurial and industrial development initiatives.
The proposal, put forth by the politician amidst national discourse on youth empowerment and economic reform, seeks to eliminate what he describes as a “gross waste of talent and time” imposed on university graduates.
With an annual budget nearing $100 million, the National Service Scheme mandates that graduates undertake one year of service in various sectors, ranging from clerical roles to teaching positions and private sector placements.
Critics argue that the scheme, while intended to instil patriotism and provide transitional employment for graduates, often places them in roles unrelated to their qualifications, stifling their potential and lowering their earning expectations in the job market.
Graduates participating in the scheme typically receive allowances barely above the national minimum wage, setting a discouraging precedent for post-service employment.
The politician asserted that the National Service Scheme should be abolished and that its budget should instead be redirected towards fostering entrepreneurial ventures and bolstering industrial growth.
By investing in business competitions and supporting young entrepreneurs, we can create sustainable enterprises capable of employing thousands of graduates.”
Voices from the youth community have echoed support and concern for the proposal. While acknowledging the scheme’s role as a temporary buffer against unemployment, many graduates lament its inefficiencies and the prevalence of corrupt practices that undermine its intended benefits.
“If corruption continues to erode our opportunities and aspirations, we are addressing it too passively,” remarked one young professional. “The current system perpetuates a cycle of mediocrity instead of empowering us to innovate and excel.”
Advocates for the proposal emphasize the need for a paradigm shift in economic policy that prioritizes investment in youth-driven initiatives and transformative projects capable of propelling Ghana towards sustainable development.
They argue that the abolition of the National Service Scheme represents a pivotal opportunity to reallocate resources effectively and stimulate a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As discussions unfold on the future of Ghana’s economic landscape, the fate of the National Service Scheme remains a contentious issue, sparking debates on the efficacy of existing youth empowerment strategies and the imperative for bold, forward-thinking
