A newly formed advocacy group representing National Service Personnel across Ghana has condemned the deduction of GH¢60 from their monthly allowances, describing the move as an unauthorised charge imposed without their consent.
The Concerned National Service Personnel (CNSP), in a statement issued under reference CNSP/PUB/002/26, said it was concerned about the deduction, which it claims is linked to the Zeus Atlas Capacity Building Programme.
The group argued that National Service Personnel were not adequately informed about the deduction or given the option to opt in before the amount was deducted from their allowances.
“No service personnel should have deductions taken from their allowances without prior knowledge, agreement, or the chance to opt in,” the group stated.
According to the CNSP, the deduction comes at a time when many young graduates are struggling to survive on their monthly stipends due to rising costs of transportation, accommodation, feeding and other basic needs.
The group said that any additional financial burden on personnel, without consultation, further worsens the challenges faced by those undertaking national service.
“This movement is not against capacity building or skills development; rather, it is a principled demand that participation in any programme must be voluntary and that deductions from our allowances must never occur without our informed consent,” the statement added.
The CNSP is demanding the immediate refund of the GH¢60 deducted from affected personnel and a halt to any further deductions intended to accumulate a reported GH¢180 charge per person for the programme.
The group also called for greater transparency and accountability from authorities in implementing policies and programmes that affect National Service Personnel, insisting that any initiative requiring financial contributions must be clearly communicated and made voluntary.
The CNSP clarified that its concerns are not against skills development programmes but rather the manner in which the charge was introduced.
It said many service personnel could have willingly participated in such initiatives if they had been properly informed and allowed to make their own decisions.
The group has urged National Service Personnel nationwide to remain united and engaged as it continues to advocate for what it describes as fair treatment and protection of the welfare of young graduates serving the country.
Below is the full statement
