The Deputy Director of NSS, Fuseini Donkor, clarified, National Service Personnel won’t be made to undergo Military training as Ghanaians are saying, but rather, an orientation. The programme, set to begin in August, is not full military training but a carefully designed orientation module.
Speaking on JoyNews’ ‘AM Show’, Mr. Donkor addressed public misconceptions, emphasizing the distinction between military training and orientation. “People have been referring to it as ‘military training,’ but according to the Ghana Armed Forces, it’s actually ‘military orientation.’ This is not about learning to fire weapons or surviving in the jungle,” he explained.
The programme, he said, focuses on practical skills like communication, emergency response, and discipline, far removed from the harsh, outdated perceptions many associate with military training. “It’s about discipline, structure, and learning how to act under pressure,” Mr. Donkor added.
The pilot phase of the initiative will involve 10,000 NSS personnel, split between military training centres and facilities provided by a partner university. Participation is voluntary for now, but plans are underway to make it mandatory nationwide in the future.
“We’ll start cautiously to ensure proper implementation,” Mr. Donkor said, adding that the outcomes of the pilot phase will be closely monitored to refine the programme before its full rollout.
The initiative aligns with a broader vision outlined by President John Dramani Mahama during his State of the Nation Address in February. President Mahama described the programme as a vital tool to instill discipline and patriotism among young Ghanaians, equipping them with the values and skills necessary for nation-building.
Ultimately, the NSS aims to prepare graduates for life beyond academics. “Every graduate should be able to offer more than just academic qualifications,” Mr. Donkor noted. “This programme ensures they leave the university system better prepared, with an extra edge to excel in the job market and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
The initiative marks a significant step towards raising a generation of disciplined, civic-minded, and productive citizens ready to tackle Ghana’s challenges.
