The National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) has explained that deductions made from service personnel were intended to fund a capacity-building programme aimed at equipping graduates with practical skills to improve their chances of securing employment after completing their service year.

Speaking at a press briefing on July 21, 2026, NASPA President Abdul Wahab Mohammed said the initiative was introduced following concerns about the growing rate of youth unemployment and the skills gap among graduates.

He said the association observed that many national service personnel complete their assignments without acquiring the practical skills required in the job market, prompting the development of the programme.

According to him, the training package was designed to cover areas including digital marketing, information technology, coding, website development, project management, entrepreneurship, agricultural business, and other industry-related skills.

Mohammed explained that the initial estimated contribution was GH¢15 per month, which would have amounted to about GH¢180 over the service year. However, he said NASPA later requested a reduction in the cost, resulting in a proposed GH¢600 contribution spread over four months.

NASPA suspends GH¢60 capacity-building deduction

He noted that the funds were intended to cover the cost of organising the training, providing practical sessions, and issuing certificates to participants upon completion.

“Beyond the training itself, we wanted to give you practical, industry-relevant skills that would improve your employability and competitiveness after national service,” he said.

The NASPA President, however, acknowledged concerns raised by service personnel regarding the deductions and the level of consultation involved, which led to the suspension of the programme.

He assured personnel that there would be no further deductions related to the capacity-building training while the initiative undergoes a comprehensive
review.

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