By Emmanuella Owusu, GNA
Tema, March 26, GNA — The National Service Authority (NSA) will from July 2026 roll out a mandatory military orientation programme for national service personnel across the country.
Ms Ruth Dela Seddoh, Director-General of the NSA, said the initiative would begin with an initial cohort of 10,000 personnel.
She announced this during the passing-out ceremony of 40 National Service Personnel (NSPs) posted to TDC Ghana Limited.
Ms Seddoh explained that the programme, which had undergone a successful pilot phase, was designed to instil discipline, nationalism, and civic responsibility among young graduates.
She noted that the orientation was aimed at shaping the character of service personnel to become productive and responsible citizens.
The ceremony was held at the First Infantry Battalion (1BN) at Michel Camp, where 22 males and 18 females completed a two-week intensive military orientation.
Ms Seddoh emphasised that the initiative was not intended to militarise the youth but rather to equip them with essential life skills.
“The primary objective of the orientation is to instil discipline, national pride, physical fitness, leadership skills and improve time management,” she said.
She added that the training also exposed participants to emergency preparedness and response skills, which were critical for both their professional development and national service.
The Director-General referenced the 2025–2026 State of the Nation Address, where President John Dramani Mahama highlighted the importance of such programmes in preparing the youth for national development.
Ms Seddoh commended Mr Courage Nunekpeku, Managing Director of TDC Ghana Limited, for initiating the orientation for personnel posted to the organisation.
She expressed satisfaction with the performance of the trainees, noting that their ability to execute complex drills within a short period demonstrated commitment and discipline.
“I am particularly excited about this initiative, and I want to assure TDC that next year we are likely to increase the number of personnel posted here because we expect to have more disciplined young people,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation to the Military High Command and the First Infantry Battalion for their support in implementing the programme.
Ms Seddoh urged the graduating personnel to reflect the discipline and skills acquired in their daily work and personal lives.
“You are already a success. Move into the world and make your presence felt everywhere,” she told them.
The personnel were trained in physical fitness, drills, responsible citizenship, first aid and work ethics.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Linda Asante Agyei