George Opare Addo is the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment
Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has reiterated his commitment to permanently solving challenges in the National Service Scheme (NSS), particularly concerning the issue of ghost names.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express and monitored by GhanaWeb on Tuesday, July 22, the minister acknowledged that the ghost names scandal is not new, citing similar incidents that happened under the previous NDC administrations.
He explained that the previous NDC government made some efforts in 2013 and 2014 which only provided a partial fix, allowing the problem to resurface under subsequent administration.
“This is not the first time. When we were in government, we had issues with ghost names. It seems like every 8 years the problem comes up again,” he said.
“In 2013-2014, we fixed it halfway but didn’t address it holistically. That’s why we’re still dealing with this today,” he added.
He disclosed that the suspension of some mobile applications used for metrics and postings was due to concerns over private ownership and lack of access to critical data.
“All those apps were owned by private individuals. That’s not ideal. The NSS is a state agency and must own and manage its own data,” he stressed.
“We are waiting for the Auditor-General’s advice, but going forward, we intend for the National Service Secretariat to have full control,” he said.
He also raised concerns about contractual agreements that allowed sensitive national data to be managed externally, promising a review of such arrangements.
“Whoever signed that contract will have questions to answer,” he noted.
George Opare Addo assured National Service Personnel that payments of allowances have been delayed not out of neglect, but as part of ongoing reforms.
“We’ve held on to allowances because the President instructed the suspension of the current metric app,” he explained.
The minister emphasised that he wants to be remembered as the one who fixed the NSS.
“I want to be remembered as the minister who fixed national service problem,” he stated.
According to him, the military is currently collaborating with the Auditor-General and security agencies to uncover the full extent of the issue.
“Even this morning, I had a discussion with the Auditor-General on what they are uncovering,” he stated.
George Opare Addo assured service personnel that a robust digital platform is being developed to eliminate fraud and ensure efficiency within the Scheme.
AS/VPO
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