The National Service Scheme’s (NSS) Director of Corporate Affairs has said that, as part of a cooperative agreement, the 10-year policy of the Scheme will send specific employees to the United States, United Kingdom, and Nigeria.
Prospective National Service members have strongly opposed this development, claiming that the policy’s global deployment is irrational and might be used by politicians.
Students from the University of Ghana expressed their worries to JoyNews, pointing out that the new policy could result in exploitation and indicate a misalignment of interests.
“As a prospective personnel, it is feasible for me to understand that this is a clear case of misplaced priorities. We have about thousands of personnel working tirelessly for Mother Ghana without being paid for months yet we dare to set up another initiative that will send personnel out of the country to work.
“Why don’t we focus on making sure that the personnel here are paid regularly because the politicians want to send their people?” one student remarked.
While acknowledging the possible advantages, a different student emphasised that the timing is unsuitable because of the possibility of brain drain.
“It is a step in the right direction but at this moment is not really needed. We have constantly been talking about the brain drain and my concern is that if we implement this policy will the personnel we will send return to the country when they finish with their service.”
Many students said that because of Ghana’s economic situation, they would not be coming back after their service year overseas.
“I am not coming back should I be selected because currently if I am to rely on government salary it will not help,’’ one student stated.
“I am not returning to Ghana. There are no jobs in Ghana currently but in those countries, there are enough so it is easier to gain employment there rather than in Ghana.”
According to Dr. Jerry-Joe Harrison, Secretary of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UG) branch at the University of Ghana, the global deployment strategy is a means for political exploitation.
“It is going to be another scheme to use this structure as a way of rewarding party loyal. Given the current circumstances even the NSS we have here people who are politically connected get posted where they prefer to gain the kind of skill or knowledge they want. It is one of the ways I think could be abused by politicians,” he explained.