STUDENTS TO PETITION NATIONAL SERVICE SECRETARIAT FOR ALLOWANCE INCREMENT

Lately i have noticed students complain about the National Service scheme not been helpful but rather stressing and frustrating, my high school mate '' Pharis Deyshini'' made a post days after graduating from the University for Development Studies Wa campus, he wrote

'' I want to serve my country. That is why I'm leaving home miles away for my national service. I'm first of all leaving home and transporting myself to the town I'll do my service. That's my expenses, and since I don't work, my parents are paying. I will be feeding myself, boarding a vehicle, and using light and water on daily basis,

to mention few. Do you think I have to call Dad and mum to pay my electricity and water bills every month whiles I'm working for the progress of the country? Should I be burdened with what to eat and what to drink while on the job? How will I even go to work if there's no money in my pocket for transportation. For this and many other reasons, we are untied in our call for an increase in NSS allowance. ‪#‎IncreaseNSSAllowa‬ because it's national service, not National Suffering''.

Later i recieved a message on facebook from a friend named Ahmed-Mukadas Ibn Salis, he told me '' Myself and a few others a petitioning NSS especially about the allowance '' and here is their letter for the petition.

The Acting Executive Director, National Service Secretariat, 46 Patrice Lumumba Street, Airport Residential Area. Accra, Ghana. Dear Sir,

PETITION FOR INCREMENT IN NSS ALLOWANCE According to the National Service Act 426 of 1980 and in conjunction with article 41 clause 8 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, all persons who have completed their first degree, diploma or otherwise as stated, are required to render a year of service to the country in any place or institution the person is posted. It is in compliance with this provision that thousands of fresh graduates or prospective graduates are enrolled for national service this year to offer service to the country in various fields and capacities. In the course of serving, personnel are given monthly allowances to sustain or enhance their wellbeing while on the job. Sadly, the current monthly allowance personnel receive, has been pegged at Ghc 350 from the 2013/14 service year to date, and we deem it appropriate to request for an upward review based on current economic conditions. We write therefore to petition your respected office to seek a review on allowance allocation for National Service Personnel effective 2016/17 service year. We understand perfectly, that National Service is not a job or employment, and hence the allowance is not a wage or a salary as received by other workers. We understand also, that this is service to the nation, and would need a lot of dedication and selflessness from Personnel. Notwithstanding the fact that National Service is service to the nation, we are of the view that one cannot give good service when one is depressed, worried or overburdened with financial responsibilities. While service personnel see the need to serve the nation and give their best, the state and its leadership we believe, have the responsibility to ensure the WELFARE of the personnel. Our call for an increment in service allowance is grounded on the following: 1. That Service Personnel are posted to places they don't reside and some journey very far away from where they stay to the town of service. While few may find solace in staying with the nearest relatives, many would have to rent a place of abode with advance payments or monthly rent charges that often come at very high cost. This is an economic burden to Personnel, and an increase in the allowance will bring some relief to the situation. 2. That a convincing majority of National Service Personnel are not catered for by guardians as it used to be when they were in school. Unlike our days in school when our guardians and parents catered for almost all our needs, during national service, we are confronted with the burden of providing for ourselves what previously was provided by parents or guardians. 3. That there is general economic hardship and prices of products and services are on the hike. This would make the allowance too small for service personnel. The minimum wage has increased recently and we believe it's only fair that it reflects in the allowance service personnel receive. Unfavorable economic conditions, we fear, could affect general commitment and attitude of personnel to work.

4. That Service Personnel mostly board vehicles to their place of work on daily basis. Considering increase in transport fares over time, Personnel who spend Ghc5 on transportation a day for example, will be spending about half of their allowance on transportation alone. The continual increment of fuel prices has raised the cost of transportation and as a result, the monthly allowances offered national service persons is so less to ply for their needs with regards to transportation fare. 5. Considering that utility tariffs are always on the increase as well as the fact that national service personnel would have to pay for water and electricity bills aside rent where applicable, we humbly propose an increment in the allowances offered us national service persons monthly to help the situation. 6. That the current allowance has been the amount Personnel receive from 2013/14 academic year, and that was two years ago. It is unarguable that the cost of living in 2014 was far lower than it is now, prices of most commodities have almost doubled, hence the need for a review in service allowance to meet such increment. Service is mandatory, and graduates have no option than to serve. This means that the many challenges that come with doing national service cannot be dodged or escaped. An increase in service allowance will be very much appreciated then. We propose therefore, that the National Service Secretariat together with the Ministry of Finance review and hence increase the monthly allowance given to National Service Personnel. With a careful consideration of the preceding grievances, we humbly propose for a 42.86% increment of the current amount offered. In effect, national service allowances should be pegged at Ghc 500 per person.

Admittedly, the adjustment would not fully meet our grievances as stated above, but we take solace in the fact that it will partly alleviate the huge financial burden that we as national service persons may be confronted with. We wish to place on record that we take no satisfaction in demanding from authorities because of service to the nation. We do share in the belief that “Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served. But all other pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of joy.” We and the many others who are in favor of this petition look forward to hearing from you in the nearest possible time. We would be grateful to have news from your office within two weeks, if possible. Thank You. Signed

CHIEF PETITIONERS 1. Stephen Senyo Tettegah [stephenmcbarister@gmail.com, 0240723870] 2. Azamati Ebenezer [benemense@gmail.com, 0244601013] 3. Joshua Boadi [boadijoshua@ymail.com, 0547220972] 4. Jonathan Asare [finestversion@gmail.com, 0269886404] 5. Emefa Siale [emefasiale@gmail.com, 0203405241] Cc Office of the President Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning All Media houses Dated 15th July 2016