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NSA olds Strategic Management Session on Deployment for Growth
The National Service Authority (NSA) has held a high-level management session on Strategic Deployment as a Driver for National Service Growth at the Best Western Premier Hotel in Accra.
The meeting, which took place on Friday, brought together Regional and District Managers from across the country to deliberate on how deployment to Non-Subvented Organisations can drive growth for the Authority and increase its Internally Generated Funds (IGF).
Rationale
Speaking on the rationale behind the session, the Director-General of NSA, Mr. Felix Gyamfi, underscored the need for proper engagement and strategic deployment to enhance the financial standing of the Authority.
He stressed that posting National Service Personnel (NSP) to Non-Subvented Organisations, which contribute 20% service charges to the NSA, is a key strategy to improve revenue generation and sustain operations.
“I am very clear in my mind that this is the way to go. That way, we can generate a lot of money for the running of the Authority and, by extension, create an enabling environment for staff welfare to be realised,” he stated.
Beyond revenue, the Director-General expressed concern over the inefficiencies in the current system, where some NSP are left idle under trees due to improper deployment, yet receive monthly allowances.
“I believe this is a waste of time and expertise. The service year is meant to expose these personnel to a structured working environment that enhances their career experience in the job market,” he pointed out.
He called on NSA staff at all levels to demonstrate commitment in achieving the new strategic direction, emphasising that once an NSP is posted to a Non-Subvented Organisation, reposting should not be entertained.
“This approach will not only increase our IGF but also reduce the financial burden on the government in paying allowances, thereby creating an enabling environment for improved staff welfare,” he outlined.
Crucial step
The Deputy Director-General of NSA, Ruth Dela Seddoh applauded the initiative, describing it as a crucial step towards national growth. She called for support from all NSA staff to ensure the success of this new direction.
“This is a great initiative, and we all need to align with it to drive national growth. Supporting this agenda will benefit NSP, NSA staff, stakeholders, and the nation as a whole,” she noted.
The session also featured a presentation by a consultant, Samuel Colley, who shared insights on how research into Non-Subvented Organisations can contribute to NSA’s growth.
He highlighted a major challenge where NSP originally posted to private entities often ends up elsewhere, leaving these companies with little or no personnel despite their willingness to absorb them.
“From our research findings, some private entities have expressed frustration with NSA’s deployment system. I suggest that we engage them more effectively to ensure that the Authority generates significant revenue through service charges,” he stated.
The consultant stressed the need for pragmatic interventions to ensure that private sector engagement is effective and mutually beneficial.
During the interactive session, NSA District Directors from various regions shared their perspectives on how to achieve the new strategic targets.
They acknowledged the pressing need for more human resources, better motivation for staff, and adequate logistics, particularly vehicles, to facilitate engagement with private sector organisations.
They opined that with improved resources, NSA could expand its revenue streams and explore alternative means of income generation.
Market Demands
For his part, the Director of Corporate Affairs, Armstrong Esaah, emphasised the need for greater awareness and education on market demands when it comes to deploying NSP.
He highlighted that understanding industry requirements is critical to achieving the set targets. “We need to inform university management about the specific demands of the job market. Fields like IT, Engineering, Sciences, and Architecture are in higher demand than traditional disciplines such as Arts and Marketing. Aligning NSP deployment with these market realities will enhance our efficiency and revenue generation,” he explained.
He urged NSA to take a more proactive approach in bridging the gap between academia and the job market.
The Director-General reassured staff members of his full support to ensure that NSA generates the needed IGF to boost staff morale and improve working conditions.
“For me, I will fully support any good initiative that generates funds for the activities of the Authority. We should all come together to make this happen, and we will see how NSA will improve, “he assured.
He further stated that leveraging private sector deployment is a game-changer for NSA’s financial sustainability, saying, “The discussions reinforced the need for strategic partnerships, improved research, proactive engagement, and commitment from all NSA staff”.
He added that with a clear roadmap and collaborative efforts, the NSA is poised to transform its deployment strategy, ensuring that National Service Personnel gain valuable work experience, contribute meaningfully to national development, and boost the Authority’s revenue streams.
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Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
