Final-year students of the University of Ghana (UG), Legon, have been encouraged to accept postings to rural communities as part of their mandatory national service.
The Director-General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Felix Gyamfi, made the call during a comprehensive orientation programme held today at the Great Hall of the university to prepare students for the 2025/2026 service year.
The well-attended event brought together hundreds of final-year students, NSA officials, university administrators, and other stakeholders. The programme aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and mindset needed to transition from academia into the world of work while contributing meaningfully to national development.
Addressing the students, Mr. Gyamfi emphasized the significance of embracing service in rural and underserved areas, describing such postings as unique opportunities for growth and impact.
Rural postings
“I know rural postings may not be the first choice for many of you. However, I urge you to accept them. Great opportunities exist in those areas. You will have opportunities to lead, grow, and learn,” he urged.
He highlighted the vital role of young graduates in bridging developmental gaps and creating meaningful change in deprived communities. Mr. Gyamfi also announced an upcoming initiative that will integrate military training into the national service experience. According to him, this effort seeks to instill discipline, resilience, and national pride among service personnel.
Military training
“A significant number of you will undergo military training during your service year. This is not to burden you but to strengthen your mental, physical, and emotional fortitude,” he explained. He added that the training would help imbue graduates with nationalistic values and prepare them for both civic and professional responsibilities.
The Deputy Director-General in Charge of Operations, Fuseini Donkor, and the Deputy Director-General, Finance and Administration, Madam Ruth Dela Seddoh, stressed the importance of exhibiting diligence, punctuality, and professionalism throughout the service year.
These, they hinted, were the traits employers seek when offering permanent roles, writing recommendation letters, or making referrals.
Praise
For her part, the Deputy Registrar Director, Director Academic Affairs Directorate, at the University of Ghana, Legon, Lydia Anowa Nyako-Danquah, lauded the NSA for the initiative and urged the students to approach their service year with seriousness and purpose. “The national service period is a stepping stone to the real world. Be committed, be submissive to supervision, and take every assignment seriously. You are building a foundation for your future,” she advised.
The Assistant Head of Deployment at the NSA, Yaw Tweneboah Kodua, walked participants through the registration and deployment processes. He reminded them about the mandatory service charges, stating that those posted to various institutions and employed are required to pay ten percent, while personnel placed in the private sector, the entity must pay twenty percent by way of service charges to the authority.
He further emphasised that a registration fee of GHC41 is to be paid via mobile money or GHC40 through the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) before deployment. He cautioned that failure to comply with these requirements could lead to disqualification.
Representatives from Absa Bank and the University of Ghana Students’ Representative Council (SRC) were also present. They provided insights into the GhanaPay registration procedures and the use of GhanaPay as well as the support systems available to students during their service period.
Meanwhile, several participants emphasized that the orientation was a vital step in equipping the next cohort of national service personnel. They highlighted the importance of cultivating positive attitudes, embracing adaptability, and demonstrating a strong willingness to serve, particularly in rural communities, where their contributions are often most needed and can have the greatest impact.
