The National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) has suspended its capacity-building program. This action follows significant public criticism regarding a GHS 60 deduction from the monthly allowances of national service personnel.
Sulemana Brimah, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), publicly urged the National Service Authority (NSA) to terminate the program. He also demanded the immediate refund of all deducted funds to the affected personnel. Brimah's comments were made in a Facebook post on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, highlighting growing concerns among service personnel.
This controversy unfolds against a backdrop of historical financial irregularities within the National Service Scheme (NSS). A forensic audit previously uncovered GHS 9,276,535.00 in unsupported payments made to NASPA. The audit revealed a lack of formal agreements or memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between the NSS and NASPA. There was also no evidence of accountability for how these substantial funds were utilized by NASPA leadership.
The NSA has clarified its position, stating it did not authorize the GHS 60 deductions. The Authority explained that the decision for the capacity-building charge originated solely from the leadership of NASPA. This clarification came after numerous complaints from national service personnel.
Many personnel argue that their monthly allowance of GHS 715 is already insufficient to cover basic living expenses. These include transportation, food, and other essential needs. The additional GHS 60 deduction further exacerbated their financial burdens, leading to widespread discontent.
Abdul Wahab Bala Mohammed, President of NASPA, announced the immediate suspension of the Capacity Building Programme. He made this statement during a press briefing on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. The suspension is pending a comprehensive review of the program. This move directly responds to the public outcry and concerns about inadequate consultation before the deductions were implemented.
This incident underscores the persistent challenges of financial oversight and transparency in public institutions. It also highlights the need for clear communication and accountability when managing funds belonging to national service personnel. Future actions will likely focus on the review process and potential refunds. This situation could influence public trust in national service programs and their administration.
The government and relevant authorities will need to address these concerns to prevent similar issues. Ensuring proper financial management and transparent processes is crucial. This will help maintain the integrity of the National Service Scheme. It will also protect the welfare of young Ghanaians contributing to national development.