The Ghana National Service Scheme (NSS) has announced that all national service personnel across the country will undergo basic military training starting August 3, 2025.
This directive, according to officials, is part of a broader plan to instill discipline, patriotism, and readiness in Ghana’s youth, as the nation looks to build a more civically conscious and resilient workforce.
Training to Be Conducted in Phases
The basic training will be conducted in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces and rolled out in phases across selected military training centers nationwide. It will include lessons in civic responsibility, physical drills, leadership development, and basic emergency response skills.
A statement from the NSS emphasized that this initiative is not a conscription program but rather an enhancement to the traditional service year to “develop national character and readiness among young Ghanaians.”
Enhancing National Cohesion and Security Awareness
Executive Director of the NSS, Osei Assibey Antwi, said, “This training is to empower our personnel with values that promote peace, discipline, and unity. It is also to prepare them mentally and physically for the demands of national development.”
The move has received mixed reactions. Some former personnel welcomed the idea, citing the need for stronger civic engagement, while others raised concerns over logistics, safety, and whether military training aligns with the academic or professional backgrounds of the majority.
Social Media Reacts
On social media, the news sparked a flurry of commentary. While many praised the patriotic intent, some questioned the NSS’s capacity to manage such a large-scale initiative alongside its core service functions.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Interesting idea, but I hope it’s done with proper planning. Not everyone is cut out for military drills.”
What’s Next?
The NSS has assured the public that details on the training curriculum, centers, and exemptions (where applicable) will be released in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, all final-year tertiary students preparing for national service are urged to follow official updates from the NSS and prepare accordingly.
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