Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Emmanuel Tornyi
Published on 2024-02-09 10:42:06
The national service period is viewed as a crucial time for fresh graduates to gain insights into industries and develop a strong work ethic. Many argue that making it optional would be detrimental to the learning experience of recent graduates. One past NSS personnel said, “I think that National Service should be mandatory because it is a way of giving back to the state. You have to serve the nation for one year, and people also gain experience through national service. Some people are even employed after national service, and so if you make it optional, it is a way of encouraging people to leave the country right after school.”
Dr. Bawumia pledged to make National Service optional for Ghanaian graduates if elected president, and no longer mandatory. In his vision for the country, Bawumia emphasized the need to rethink the current national service scheme to aid youth employment. He announced plans to propose changes that would allow graduates who secure jobs after completing their education to be exempted from mandatory national service during an address in Accra on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
Dr. Bawumia’s proposal to make National Service optional has sparked a debate among Ghanaians. Advocates for the current mandatory national service believe that it serves as a valuable experience for young graduates to contribute to the development of their country. They argue that the national service period allows fresh graduates to gain practical experience and develop a strong work ethic.
On the other hand, proponents of making National Service optional argue that it would provide graduates with more freedom and flexibility in making decisions about their careers. They believe that mandatory national service can be burdensome for graduates who have secured employment opportunities and that it may lead to a brain drain as talented individuals seek work opportunities abroad.
The debate around whether to make National Service mandatory or optional reflects broader concerns about the role of government in shaping the career paths of young graduates. It raises questions about the balance between individual freedom and the national interest in fostering youth employment and development.
It is apparent that there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate. The national service period can provide valuable experience and professional development for young graduates, but making it optional would also allow individuals to make choices that align with their career goals and aspirations.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to make National Service optional or mandatory will depend on the government’s assessment of its impact on youth employment, the country’s development, and the aspirations of young graduates. Both perspectives offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics of youth employment and career development in Ghana.
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