The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare-Addo Esq, has called on the newly inaugurated board of the National Service Authority (NSA) to take decisive action against the persistent issue of ghost names within the National Service Scheme.
Speaking during the board’s inauguration ceremony, he emphasised the need for transparency, accountability, and technological innovation to eliminate inefficiencies and restore public confidence in the institution.
Addressing the board on behalf of the President of the Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, Hon. Opare-Addo acknowledged the NSA’s recent success in removing approximately 2,000 ghost names from its payroll, but cautioned that more work remains to be done.
“The reports of mismanagement and corruption, particularly the ghost names scandal, have rightly caused public concern. These issues have undermined the credibility of the Scheme and diverted resources that should have been used to empower our young people,” he said.
The Minister described the National Service Scheme as a vital platform to unlock the power and potential of Ghana’s youth, offering them the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development while gaining experience and honing skills necessary for future success. He stressed that the challenges that have plagued the NSA cannot be ignored if the Scheme is to fulfil its mandate.
“It is very necessary for graduates to contribute to national development, to gain invaluable experience, and to hone the skills that will propel them to success; hence, the challenges that have plagued the NSA in recent times cannot be ignored,” Hon. Opare-Addo noted.
He urged the new board to reimagine the future of the Scheme, correcting past mistakes while building a forward-looking, effective, and youth-focused institution. He further encouraged the use of modern technology to revamp internal systems, ensuring that transparency and efficiency become central pillars of the NSA’s operations.
“As new board members, I entrust you with the significant responsibility of reshaping the Authority and guiding its strategic growth to the level envisioned by the President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. This board carries high expectations, and I am confident that you will rise to the occasion,” he said.
“Your mandate is to build an NSA that is transparent, efficient, and, most importantly, truly serves the interests of Ghana’s youth,” the Minister added.
Hon. Opare-Addo also charged the board to collaborate closely with government agencies, private sector organisations, and NGOs to ensure service personnel are deployed in impactful roles that support national development. He called for the development of clear performance metrics and the establishment of mechanisms for continuous support for both service personnel and the organisations they serve.
He further proposed the creation of a dedicated fund to support innovative entrepreneurial ventures initiated by service personnel, in order to promote a culture of innovation and self-reliance among the youth.
“It is important to encourage National Service personnel to develop innovative solutions to pressing social and economic challenges. Establishing a fund to support promising entrepreneurial ventures will foster a culture of innovation and self-reliance,” he said.
In response, the newly appointed Chairman of the National Service Authority Board, Mr. Okai Mintah, expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the confidence reposed in them and pledged the board’s full commitment to their duties.
“It is a great privilege to serve on this board, and we promise to carry out our responsibilities with diligence and to the full extent of our capabilities. The National Service Authority has tremendous potential, and through our leadership, with the collaboration of management, we aim to achieve its strategic goals,” Mr. Mintah stated.
About Okai Mintah:
A seasoned entrepreneur with interests in various sectors, Mr. Okai Mintah brings a wealth of experience to the board. He is a Chartered Arbitrator (Ciarb-UK), a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and a Project Management Professional (PMP). His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Laws degree from Brunel University London, an Executive Development certificate in Supply Chain Management and Logistics from the University of Ghana Business School, and a BSc in Business Administration from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
