Ghanaians React As Mahama Announces The Introduction Of Short Military Training For NSS Personnel

President John Dramani Mahama has announcedplans to incorporate a brief military-styletrainingprogramme into national service, aimed at preparingyoung Ghanaians for the demands ofworking lifethrough improved discipline, fitness, and teamwork.

The President made the announcement during hisfirst State of the Nation Address on February 27,2025,explaining that the proposed exercise wouldhelp national service personnel build resilienceand developa stronger sense of responsibilitybefore entering the labour market.

According to Mahama, the training would not belengthy but would focus on instilling disciplineandmaintaining physical fitness among participants.

“We will introduce a short military training session aspart of the national service program. This willensurethat our youth develop discipline and fitness,” he said.

The proposed policy is among the government’splanned changes to the National Service Schemefollowingthe passage of the National ServiceAuthority Act, 2024 (Act 1119). As part of theprocess, the Presidenthas instructed the Ministerfor Youth Development and Empowerment to submitthe necessary proposalto Parliament for approval.

The President also drew attention to the growingproblem of youth unemployment, describing itas anissue that could threaten national securityif left unresolved. With an estimated two millionyoung peoplewithout jobs, he stressed theimportance of introducing measures that wouldimprove employmentopportunities and strengthensupport for the country’s youth.

As part of the response, the government has createda dedicated Ministry for Youth DevelopmentandEmpowerment to oversee and coordinate youth-focused employment programmes. The ministrywillwork to ensure that the various job creationinitiatives are implemented systematically, monitoredeffectively,and managed with greater accountability.

Mahama explained that the new institutionalarrangement would help streamline youth employmentpoliciesand improve the effectiveness ofgovernment interventions.

The military-style training proposal and the creationof the new ministry reflect the administration’swidercommitment to youth development, economic growth,and employment generation. Throughthese initiatives,the government hopes to prepare young people forthe workplace while improvingthe coordination ofprogrammes designed to address unemployment.