Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has reiterated his desire to make National Service optional for Ghanaians. The NPP flagbearer first made mention of the intention when he made that epic address at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, on Wednesday, February 7.
He has since re-echoed the desire, insisting it is a way to help lessen the burden on young people. Dr. Bawumia said taking the compulsory National Service out will offer young graduates the chance to start working straight from school.
During an address to party supporters at Kwahu on Saturday after a health walk, the NPP leader said, “I am also revising the National Service Scheme. It will no longer be compulsory. Once you are out of school, you can get a job straight away. You don’t have to undertake national service. I want to make it very simple for all.”
In his address to the nation in February, where he first mentioned the idea, Dr. Bawumia said, “To help our youth get jobs, I believe it is time to rethink the concept of our current national service scheme.
“My government will propose that those who, after completion of their education, can secure jobs would be exempted from national service.
“National service will no longer be mandatory, and students will have the option to decide whether to do national service. This will also encourage companies to go to campuses for recruitment annually.”