National Service Personnel Receive Two Months’ Allowances, Express Intent to Qui
Several National Service personnel across various sectors, funded by the government, have expressed their dissatisfaction after receiving only two months’ worth of allowances despite completing five months of service.
Expressing their frustration with the delayed and incomplete payment system, with some even contemplating leaving the program altogether.
In an Interview with Pulse News, these are some responses from some National Service personnel;
Johnson, aged 24, articulated his dissatisfaction, stating, “Finally, I’ve received my allowance but I’m not excited at all. How can I be working for 5 months and get just two months’ allowance? They’re frustrating us. Honestly, I want to quit!”
Curtis, 23, echoed similar sentiments, expressing disappointment with the partial payment. “Two months out of 4. Honestly, I feel they should have paid in full. There’s absolutely no reason for half payment given the delay. Why promise monthly when you can’t live up to it?” he questioned.
Angela, a National Service Person serving in the Ghana Education Service, highlighted the financial strain caused by delayed payments.
“They should try their best to pay the allowance on time because most personnel are taking care of themselves so they tend to borrow money from friends,” she explained. “If anything is hindering them not to paying these monies on time, they should communicate to the NSPs. I believe communication is key.”
Precious, 23, shared her dismay, emphasizing the unfairness of the payment method. “Just 2 months… it’s so unfair to work for 5 months and just get two months’ pay,” she lamented. “All I have to tell them is that a lot needs to be done to improve the working conditions of the NSS.”
Franklin raised concerns about the broader implications of such practices on national patriotism. “This nation is discouraging the youth from exhibiting patriotism to the State,” he remarked.
He urged the NSS secretariat and the government to prioritize timely payments and streamline administrative processes. “Pay on time. Teach Personnel to uphold and fulfill their commitments, especially to the State,” he asserted.
Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), Osei Assibey Antwi, has attributed the recent delays in the disbursement of National Service personnel allowances to challenges within the personnel submission process.
The outcry from NSS personnel highlights the pressing need for reform within the National Service Scheme to ensure equitable treatment and prompt disbursement of allowances. Such reforms are crucial for fostering a conducive environment for national service and overall development.
STORY BY ;PORTIA AKU SHIKA GAFAH
