The National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) has clarified that the GH¢60 deducted from the allowances of service personnel was not originally intended to be paid at once.

The suspension follows public criticism of a GH¢60 deduction from the allowances of some service personnel, who argued that they were not adequately consulted before the deductions were made.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, July 21, NASPA National President Abdul-Wahab Bala Mohammed said the association had initially considered the programme beneficial because of its potential to improve the employability of service personnel.

According to the association, the amount was meant to be spread over a four-month learning period, translating into a monthly contribution of GH¢15.

NASPA explained that the deduction was to cover part of the cost of a training programme introduced to provide service personnel with additional skills and prepare them for the job market.

However, the full GH¢60 deduction from the previous allowance generated concerns among personnel, with many questioning why the amount was taken at once instead of being divided across the four months.

The association acknowledged the concerns, noting that the financial commitment may not have been convenient for all service personnel.

NASPA said it subsequently engaged its newly elected regional executives and gathered feedback from personnel to better understand the issues surrounding the deduction and the level of consultation before the programme was implemented.

“Based on this progress, NASPA formally requested the National Service Authority to facilitate a reduction of GH¢60 to represent the duration of the training over a four-month learning period, that is, GH¢15 per month,” the association stated.

It added that management of the National Service Authority has since engaged NASPA over the concerns and frustrations expressed by personnel and the general public.

The association said further directives have been issued by the NSA management in response to the feedback received and in line with guidance from the sector minister and the board.

It has therefore suspended the capacity-building programme.