Local governance analyst, Amon Kotei, has called on the government to continue paying allowances to National Service personnel even after they complete their mandatory one-year service—at least until they secure permanent employment.
His remarks come in the wake of a recent announcement by the Minister of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development, Ahmed Ibrahim, who revealed that GHC23 million had been released to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to cover allowances for assembly members. Both elected and appointed members are receiving GHC1,300 each for April and May.
While praising this initiative, Mr. Kotei urged the government to extend similar financial support to former National Service personnel, noting that many of them struggle financially and remain unemployed after their service ends.
“Allowances should continue for service personnel until they land a job,” he said. “This kind of support would not only motivate them but also prevent vulnerable youth from turning to galamsey, robbery, drug abuse, alcoholism, or being exploited by political forces.”
He lauded the government’s current efforts to boost local governance but stressed that continuous investment in the youth would yield long-term benefits for national development and help maintain social cohesion.
Mr. Kotei also criticized the previous administration for mismanaging funds on what he described as unproductive projects that failed to serve the public interest.
