The National Service Authority (NSA) is pushing to place at least 50% of national service personnel in the private sector as part of a new strategy to enhance employment readiness and reduce dependency on the public sector.

Currently, over 80% of personnel are posted to public institutions.

In an exclusive interview on Joy FM's GhanaConnect, the NSA Acting Executive Director, Felix Gyamfi, stated that the Authority is now partnering with business associations and private firms to expand placement opportunities.

“Our goal is to create a system where graduates are equipped with practical skills and seamlessly integrated into industry…I have said that this year, at the very least, we should aim for a 50-50 placement split between the private and public sectors. But to be honest, I’m quietly hoping we can even surpass that—maybe even hit 70% in the private sector,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of aligning national service with real sector demands. He singled out the Tema Industrial areas as an example of untapped potential, questioning why such a high-density industrial zone lacks significant service personnel engagement.

“I don’t understand why, for example, in the Tema enclave—with all the industries and businesses there—we don't have 10,000 service personnel working across different sectors,” he said, adding that “when they (NSS personnel) enter these industries, it opens doors for them. They learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to themselves and the country.”