The Director-General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Mr. Gyamfi Felix, has reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to tackling food security issues in Ghana. In an interview with the media, Mr. Gyamfi shared plans to leverage the NSA’s extensive agricultural resources to address both food inflation and unemployment in the country.
Mr. Gyamfi’s remarks followed a visit by the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Mr. George Opare-Addo, to the NSA headquarters in Accra. The Minister’s visit marked his first official engagement with the Authority, focusing on collaborative efforts to enhance opportunities for the youth through national service.
Tackling Food Inflation and Unemployment
In light of the rising cost of food and Ghana’s dependence on food imports, Mr. Gyamfi emphasized the potential of the NSA’s large swathes of arable land to create sustainable solutions. According to the Director-General, this resource can be harnessed to reduce reliance on imported food and address the issue of unemployment, particularly among the youth.
“We cannot overlook the opportunity we have as an institution with vast arable lands at our disposal. The NSA’s contribution to agriculture will not only reduce our dependency on food imports but also tackle unemployment, especially among the youth,” Mr. Gyamfi said.
He stressed the importance of reviewing and expanding the NSA’s agricultural activities to achieve tangible results. “Our approach will be to evaluate and continue successful initiatives while identifying areas where expansion or improvement is needed to ensure the desired impact is realised by all stakeholders,” he explained.
Overcoming Challenges and Reform
Mr. Gyamfi also acknowledged the challenges faced by the NSA, specifically the issue of “ghost names” from the previous administration, which he indicated had tarnished the Authority’s reputation. Under his leadership, the NSA is committed to eliminating such practices and ensuring the integrity of the national service program. He highlighted that the NSA would continue to mobilise, deploy, and train youth from tertiary institutions, ensuring that the program operates with transparency and effectiveness.
Strengthening Youth Empowerment
Minister Opare-Addo expressed his support for the NSA’s initiatives and emphasized the importance of partnering with key agencies, such as the NSA, to address the challenges faced by Ghanaian youth. He outlined the Ministry’s commitment to building the capacity of the youth and preparing them for the job market, ensuring that their national service year contributes meaningfully to the nation’s development.
“We must position the National Service Authority as a foundation for skills development and entrepreneurship to give young people a viable start after their service year,” Mr. Opare-Addo stated. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to implementing youth empowerment policies and programs, underscoring that the youth are the country’s greatest asset.
Both leaders emphasized the need for sustained efforts to invest in the youth and provide them with the tools for success in a rapidly evolving job market. As part of their collaborative vision, the NSA and the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment will work together to ensure that the national service program continues to play a pivotal role in Ghana’s development.
SOURCE:NATIONAL SERVICE AUTHORITY
