In a bold move to enhance discipline and physical fitness among Ghana’s youth, President John Dramani Mahama has announced the introduction of short-term military training as part of the National Service programme.
Speaking during his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 27, Mahama emphasized that the initiative aims to instill a strong sense of responsibility and resilience in young graduates transitioning into the workforce.
“We will introduce short military training as part of our national service scheme. This will instill a sense of fitness and discipline in our youth,” he stated.
The programme, which is set to be implemented under the newly established National Service Authority (NSA), will be backed by a Legislative Instrument to ensure proper legal and structural support. Mahama disclosed that he has directed the Minister for Youth Development & Empowerment, George Opare-Addo, to oversee the legal framework necessary for its smooth execution.
“To achieve a legally robust regime to govern national service, I have tasked the Minister for Youth Development & Empowerment to coordinate and present to Parliament a Legislative Instrument to support the implementation of the newly passed National Service Authority Act 2024, Act 1119,” Mahama explained.
The transformation of the National Service Scheme (NSS) into the National Service Authority under the previous administration was intended to expand its role beyond deployment, equipping young graduates with employable skills for the future.
As Ghana seeks innovative ways to develop its human resource base, this new addition to the national service programme marks a significant shift toward a more disciplined, skilled, and job-ready youth population.
