The National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) has suspended its nationwide Capacity Building Programme with immediate effect, following widespread concerns from service personnel over deductions and consultation on the initiative.
In a press conference held on Tuesday , National President, Abdul Wahab Bala Mohammed, NASPA confirmed that the National Service Authority (NSA) has directed a full suspension pending a comprehensive review, in line with a directive from *Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo.
Programme Was Meant To Boost Employability
Mr. Mohammed explained that the programme was conceptualised in *December 2024* by the National Executive Council after deliberations on youth unemployment and post-service job prospects.
“The Capacity Building Programme was conceived with one clear objective; to equip National Service Personnel with practical, industry-relevant skills that would improve their employability and competitiveness after national service,” he said.
He noted that the training was to cover IT, coding, website development, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, project management, basic laws of Ghana, agriculture business, and study abroad options, with participants to receive a certificate of completion.
The President said the initiative was modelled after a 2024 pilot in Greater Accra which received “positive feedback” and informed the decision to scale it nationwide.
GHS60 Deduction Sparked Concerns
According to NASPA, the estimated cost of the programme was GHS15 per month, totaling about GHS180 for the service year.
Following an agreement with training provider Zeus Atlas Limited, NASPA requested the NSA to deduct GHS60 to cover 4 months of training costs already incurred. That deduction was effected in the last allowance payment.
However, the deductions triggered backlash from service personnel who questioned the consultation process and affordability.
“We fully acknowledge that the financial commitment required may not have been reasonable for all service personnel,” Mr. Mohammed admitted.
He clarified that as an autonomous body, NASPA had the right to enter into contracts independently, and that NSA management was informed after the agreement with Zeus Atlas was signed — “consistent with NASPA practice over the years.”
Programme Suspended, Deductions To Stop
Following engagements with NSA management, the Minister, and the Board, the Authority has directed that the programme be suspended.
“The Capacity Building Programme, as currently structured, is hereby suspended with immediate effect, pending a comprehensive review of the program, for a decisive action to be taken,” the statement said.
NASPA also assured that “there will be no further deductions on behalf of, or in relation to this capacity training.”
Mr. Mohammed welcomed the directive, saying it protects personnel welfare while preserving the opportunity to design a better programme in future.
“We thank the Minister, Board and Management of the National Service Authority for their wisdom and firm guidance. They listened to your outcry, assessed the situation with seriousness, and issued a directive that protects your welfare,” he stated.
NASPA Thanks Personnel and Media
The National President thanked service personnel for raising concerns “respectfully and constructively” and commended the media for holding the association accountable.
“Your voice matters, and we have heard it clearly. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more transparent, and more responsive NASPA that always places the interests of service personnel first,” he added.
