By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
The Central Regional Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Mr. Vincent Kpolu, has issued a strong caution to final-year university students against attempts to manipulate or bypass the national service posting process through self-posting or lobbying.
He made this known during a Pre-Service Orientation programme held at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre in Winneba. The event was organised by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in collaboration with the NSA’s Central Regional Secretariat. The orientation aimed to adequately prepare students for the upcoming 2025/2026 national service year.
Students Advised to Trust the System
Mr. Kpolu stressed that the NSA uses a systematic approach to assign postings based on the academic background, specialization, and institutional needs. He added that every placement is done with national development and professional growth in mind.
“National service is not just a formality; it is a civic obligation meant to contribute to national development and give graduates real-world experience,” Mr. Kpolu stated.
“Undermining the process through self-posting not only robs others of fair opportunities but also damages the credibility of the entire system.”
He further described self-posting as where students personally choose and report to an institution without official approval as a serious breach of the Authority’s operational guidelines. He also criticised lobbying through political or personal connections as unethical and unfair to fellow students who rely on the merit-based system.
“We’ve observed an increase in students trying to influence their postings through informal means. This act is dishonest and inconsistent with the values national service seeks to promote,” he added.
Mr. Kpolu warned that any student caught engaging in these practices would face disciplinary action, including the risk of having their national service deferred or annulled altogether. He also noted that institutions that accept such self-posted students without NSA clearance may be penalized or delisted from the service programme.
On the technical front, Mr. Kpolu urged all final-year students to pay close attention during the registration process. He advised them to ensure that their names, school records, and other personal information match what has been submitted to the NSA database.
“We’ve encountered issues where minor discrepancies in name arrangement or spelling have delayed postings for weeks. Don’t overlook this. Accuracy is key,” he emphasized.
He added that students must make sure they have fully completed their academic requirements before proceeding with registration, as incomplete records could result in disqualification.
Officials from the University’s Dean of Student Affairs office also addressed the students, urging them to actively participate in the orientation and collaborate with the NSA to resolve any concerns.
They highlighted the importance of national service in shaping graduates’ professional attitudes and practical skills and assured students that the university would continue to work closely with the NSA to ensure a smooth transition into the service year.
“The orientation is not just another campus event; it’s your gateway to understanding what is expected of you as national service personnel,” one official noted.
The session witnessed a massive turnout, with thousands of students attending. The interactive nature of the programme allowed students to ask questions about common concerns such as:
Allowances: Clarification on monthly payments, delays, and funding sources.
Accommodation: Who bears the responsibility for securing housing at service locations.
Workplace Expectations: Expected conduct, dress code, and communication at the service post.
Posting Changes: Legitimate grounds for requesting reposting, such as medical conditions.
Several students expressed appreciation for the orientation, describing it as enlightening and timely.
As Ghana prepares to usher in a new batch of national service personnel, the NSA is calling on students to view the exercise as more than just a requirement for graduation. Mr. Kpolu reiterated that national service is a platform for young Ghanaians to give back to society, build experience, and demonstrate patriotism.
“Approach your service year with discipline, readiness, and a sense of national duty,” he concluded.
