"We are resetting national service" - Ruth Dela Seddoh

The National Service Authority (NSA) has announced sweeping reforms aimed at transforming Ghana’s national service scheme into a more efficient, transparent, and impactful experience for young graduates.

At a press briefing held at the NSA Head Office in Accra, the newly appointed Director-General of the Authority, Ms. Ruth Dela Seddoh, outlined a bold vision anchored on President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, describing the changes as the beginning of “a new chapter” in national service delivery.

“We are resetting national service. This is an all-new Authority,” Ms. Seddoh declared. “The time for talking is over. The era of action begins now.”

At the heart of the reform is the launch of a new, secure digital platform that will manage the entire national service lifecycle — from registration and placement to allowance payments and job-matching after service.

The upgraded system replaces the suspended Central Service Management Platform (CSMP), which was found to be faulty after a forensic audit ordered by the President in June 2025.

Ms. Seddoh announced that online registration for the 2025/2026 service year will begin Wednesday, October 8, 2025, and end Wednesday, October 15, 2025, via the new portal www.gnsa.gov.gh. Service officially begins on Monday, November 3, 2025.

All earlier registrations made in June have been declared null and void, although refunds will be issued to those who paid during that period.

Biometric Verification using the National Identification Database and facial recognition

AI-powered Matching System for personalized postings

Geofencing Attendance Tracker to prevent impersonation

Real-time Notification App (NSS Connect) for service updates

Digitized Certificate System with QR code verification

Automated Payroll with Fraud Detection features

AI Career Buddy System for scholarship matching, job search, and mentorship

“This system protects everyone. Every click, every action leaves an audit trail. We’re building a culture of integrity,” Ms. Seddoh emphasized.

In addition to the digital overhaul, the Authority is introducing Basic Military Training for an initial 10,000 service personnel, in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces — a directive from the President aimed at instilling discipline and civic duty.

The NSA is also rolling out a Digital Skills Training Programme that includes courses in cybersecurity, web development, and digital marketing to boost the employability of graduates.

On the agricultural front, the Authority is expanding its demonstration farms across 12 regions, incorporating smart technology, AI, and climate-responsive solutions, positioning national service as a key driver of youth-in-agriculture transformation.

Responding to recent scandals involving payroll fraud, Ms. Seddoh confirmed that two staff members in the Birim North District had been interdicted for processing allowances for ineligible personnel.

New financial controls, IT safeguards, and banking trails have been implemented, in collaboration with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department, to curb further infractions.

“Payroll fraud will be a thing of the past,” the Director-General assured.

Ms. Seddoh stressed that national service will no longer be treated as a routine obligation but as “a year of opportunity and growth”, with a strong focus on job creation and national renewal.

She thanked the NSA Governing Board and the Transition and Implementation Steering Committee for successfully delivering the new platform and restoring public confidence.

"This is more than a job for me. It is my call to serve. And to every citizen, young or old, I say — join us. Ghana needs you,” she concluded.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith