A photograph of the new board members of NSA with the minister
The Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare-Addo, Esq., has issued a clarion call to the newly inaugurated board of the National Service Authority (NSA), urging them to restore credibility and transform the institution into a beacon of hope and opportunity for Ghana’s youth.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra on May 19, 2025, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Opare-Addo charged the board to confront head-on the persistent problem of ghost names within the National Service Scheme.
He emphasized the need for bold reforms underpinned by transparency, accountability, and technological innovation.
“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 stated.
The minister acknowledged the recent success of the NSA in purging about 2,000 ghost names from its payroll but stressed that more work remains to be done.
“Let us seize this opportunity to transform the National Service Scheme into a beacon of hope and opportunity for our young people. Let us build an NSA that is worthy of their talent, their energy, and their aspirations,” he added.
He reiterated the administration’s vision of the National Service Scheme as a vital platform to unlock the potential of Ghana’s youth. He noted that the Scheme must serve as a bridge to meaningful employment, entrepreneurship, and national service.
“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,” he said.
The minister urged the board to “reimagine” the future of the NSA by correcting past mistakes and building a forward-looking, effective, and youth-centered institution.
Opare-Addo proposed the establishment of a dedicated fund to support entrepreneurial ventures initiated by National Service personnel.
“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 suggested.
The 15-member board is chaired by Emmanuel Okai Mintah and comprises key representatives from various ministries, institutions, and the private sector.
Members of the board include Dr. James Asare-Adjei from the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Felix Gyamfi, Director-General of the NSA, Cecilia Sheitu Nyadia from the Ministry of Technology and Innovation, Colonel Frederick Aboagye Kasapa from the Ministry of Defence, and Dr. Wisdom Atiwoto from the Ministry of Health.
Other members are Emma Ofori Agyemang from the Ministry of Youth Development, Kwabena Denkyira from the Ministry of Local Government, Paul Siamen from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Shadrack Mensah from the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, and Matilda Azumah from the Ministry of Education, as well as two presidential nominees, Henrietta Asante and Elorm Goh.
In response, the newly appointed Chairman of the NSA Board, Emmanuel Okai Mintah, thanked President Mahama for the trust placed in the board and pledged their commitment to delivering on their mandate.
“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,” Mintah stated.
“The National Service Authority has tremendous potential, and through our leadership, in collaboration with management, we aim to achieve its strategic goals.”
AM/KA