Every year, thousands of National Service Personnel (NSPs) in Ghana are posted to various institutions to undertake their mandatory service to the nation. This period, which lasts close to a year, is crucial for young graduates to test the knowledge acquired from tertiary education and develop practical skills. However, the experience of NSPs can vary greatly depending on the institution and environment they are posted to. Some NSPs are excited about the opportunity, while others are anxious about what awaits them.
The experience of NSPs is shaped not only by the posting but also by the people and environment they meet. A welcoming supervisor can make an anxious young person feel confident. A patient colleague can turn a mistake into a lesson. A meaningful assignment can transform classroom knowledge into practical experience. Unfortunately, not every NSP enjoys such an environment. In some organisations, NSPs are turned into errand boys and girls, performing tasks that are not challenging or related to their areas of study.
The Chief Executive Officer of Agri-Impact, Daniel Fahene Acquaye, has advised institutions across Ghana to rethink how they handle NSPs and prioritise training and skills development instead of relegating them to menial tasks. He noted that some institutions see NSPs as a worry, while others see them as business as usual. The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has also urged leaders of both public and private institutions to refrain from relegating NSPs to mere errand-runners.
Some NSPs struggle to settle into their assigned locations, which can become stressful, especially when they feel they have no choice but to remain there. Others may find the location far from home or very different from what they expected. Their stay can be uncomfortable, and their expectations may not be met. This is why institutions must recognise the importance of creating a supportive environment for NSPs.
A supportive workplace can turn National Service into a foundation for a successful career. Some institutions also provide opportunities for NSPs to extend their service or continue working after their official period, where possible. Such opportunities can give them more time to strengthen their competencies, build professional networks, and prepare for life beyond national service.
National Service Personnel are an important part of effective office administration and service delivery. They deserve to be treated with respect and given meaningful work to do. A smile can calm nerves, create a connection, and even open doors to places NSPs never imagined they would enter. When NSPs feel welcomed, supported, and respected, they are more likely to give their best and work from their hearts.
Ultimately, the experience of NSPs can be transformed if institutions prioritise their growth and development. By providing a conducive environment, institutions can help NSPs become better equipped for the future. As Institutional Assessment Practitioner Henry Atta Nyame noted, sometimes all it takes to see an NSP give their best is a reason to smile.
Key points
- Institutions must prioritise training and skills development for National Service Personnel.
- National Service Personnel should not be relegated to menial tasks.
- A supportive environment can turn National Service into a foundation for a successful career.
