Military Training to Instill Discipline in Youth – NSA Boss says
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
The Acting Director-General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Felix Gyamfi, has provided further clarification on the newly announced military training component set to be introduced into Ghana’s national service scheme. According to him, the initiative is aimed at instilling discipline and nurturing a strong sense of responsibility among the country’s youth.
Mr. Gyamfi made the remarks during an interview on Business Breakfast on Zed FM, following the Authority’s official announcement that the programme will take effect from August 3, this year.
The introduction of military training into the national service structure has sparked public debate, with citizens expressing mixed reactions. While some support the move as a step toward building discipline and patriotism among young people, others have raised concerns about the nature of the training and whether it might have unintended consequences.
Addressing these concerns, Mr. Gyamfi highlighted that the training is not meant to militarize the youth, but rather to reinforce essential values such as discipline, time management, leadership, and a sense of civic duty. He explained that the training will be carried out in a controlled, non-combative environment, and will focus more on character building than on physical combat readiness.
“The inclusion of military training is to complement formal education and help young people develop traits that are necessary for both personal growth and national development,” he noted.
He further added that the NSA has been working in close collaboration with relevant security and educational institutions to design a programme that is safe, meaningful, and impactful.
He added that the Authority is aware of the concerns being raised and remains open to engaging stakeholders to ensure that the initiative serves the intended purpose without causing fear or discomfort.
According to Mr. Gyamfi, the training will also foster unity, teamwork, and a greater appreciation for national service among participants. By learning to function within a structured system, he believes Ghanaian youth will emerge from the programme more prepared to face life’s challenges and contribute meaningfully to society.
Meanwhile, the National Service Authority has assured the public that more details will be communicated in the coming weeks, including the nature of the training modules, the duration, and the regions in which the pilot phase will be rolled out. The Authority is also encouraging parents, educators, and youth organizations to support the initiative and participate in discussions that will ensure its successful implementation.
