Military Training for National Service Personnel – A Bold Step or a Risky Gamble?

On April 23, 2025, the National Service Authority announced a bold new initiative: the introduction of military training for National Service Personnel (NSPs) under the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme (NSERRP). This decision follows President John Dramani Mahama's State of the Nation Address earlier this year, where he emphasized the importance of instilling discipline, nationalism, and physical fitness among Ghanaian graduates.

According to the Director-General of the National Service Authority, Mr. Felix Gyamfi, this program is part of a broader effort to "reset the country" by preparing young people to embrace national development. When implemented, personnel will undergo up to two months of composite basic military drills beginning August 3, 2025. The Military High Command has already expressed readiness to support the rollout.

The stated goals of this initiative are indeed noble. Ghana, like many countries, is searching for ways to build stronger civic character, foster patriotism, and equip its youth with resilience. A structured military orientation could provide just that—discipline, teamwork, physical preparedness, and a heightened sense of responsibility. These are qualities any nation would hope to cultivate in its future leaders.

But beneath the surface of this well-intentioned plan lie deeper, more complex concerns that cannot be ignored.

In recent years, troubling reports have emerged of military misconduct across the country. Uniformed officers have been seen using force in ways that raise serious questions about accountability and professionalism. Communities have reported cases of intimidation and violence carried out by those who are supposed to protect them. These incidents have left many wondering whether the military, in its current form, is best suited to shape the character of our youth.

Before we entrust thousands of graduates to a system still grappling with public trust, we must confront these issues head-on. Has the military truly reformed? Is there a system in place to ensure that personnel are trained in ways that reflect democratic values and respect for human rights? Are we confident that the discipline we seek to instill will be modeled appropriately?

Even more concerning is what happens after the training. Ghana is battling high rates of youth unemployment. Equipping young people with combat skills without simultaneously providing clear career pathways or economic opportunities poses a serious risk. A military-trained, jobless youth population could become vulnerable to recruitment into criminal networks, political militias, or even insurgent movements. We've seen this play out in other countries, and the consequences are often devastating.

The call for discipline and national pride is valid—but it must be rooted in a broader strategy that prioritizes reform, opportunity, and inclusion. We cannot afford to treat military training as a one-size-fits-all solution to deeper societal challenges.

This is a pivotal moment for Ghana. If we truly want to shape a generation of responsible, empowered citizens, we must look beyond drills and uniforms. We must invest in holistic civic education, job creation, mental health support, and institutional accountability. Only then can we build a future where discipline is earned through trust, not fear.

Introducing military training into the National Service Scheme might be a step forward—or it might be a misstep with long-term consequences. The difference lies in how thoughtfully we approach it.

Caution, in this case, is not opposition. It is wisdom.

Let's get it right. For the youth. For the nation.