The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has cautioned organisations to desist from making national service personnel errand boys and girls. Speaking at the launch of the 50th anniversary of the National Service Scheme, held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, this week, the former Member of Parliament for Nadowli/Kaleo bemoaned why some service personnel posted to institutions do not have chairs to sit on, and are sent to purchase roasted plantain, locally known as ‘Kofi Brokeman.’
Speaker Bagbin was worried with the ‘maltreatment’ of service personnel, since it is a ‘critical’ year for their development and mentorship. The training period of the personnel becomes wasted and the organisations fail to mold the personnel deployed to their outfits.
His remarks received resounding applause from the national service personnel of the scheme, who formed the majority of the participants at the ceremony.
Speaker Bagbin used the opportunity to appeal to leaders in various public institutions and private sector organisations not to turn service personnel into messengers or errand boys and girls. He reminded leaders of industry that it is a very critical year for the development of service personnel and it should not be wasted.
The Chronicle perfectly agrees with the Speaker of Parliament’s call for respect and dignity in the treatment of our young graduates during their service year, because it is a reflection of the commitment to nurturing a responsible and productive workforce for the future.
The National service is a rite of passage for many young Ghanaians, marking their transition from the realm of academia to the professional world. It is the time to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. To harness the full potential of this transition, it’s essential to treat service personnel with the respect they deserve. They are not errand boys and girls, but aspiring professionals eager to contribute to the nation’s development.
The Chronicle fully agrees that the strength of any nation lies in its human resources. By providing service personnel with meaningful tasks and responsibilities that align with their education and career aspirations, organisations can tap into their potential. This not only benefits the individuals but also the organisations and the nation as a whole.
When service personnel are relegated to menial and unrelated tasks, it sends the wrong message about the value of hard work. It erodes their work ethic and diminishes their enthusiasm. On the other hand, by involving them in substantial roles, we instill in them a strong sense of responsibility and professionalism, which will serve as a foundation for their future careers.
Organisations are the training grounds where future professionals learn the ropes of their respective fields. They have a unique opportunity to mentor and guide these young minds, imparting knowledge and instilling values that will serve them throughout their careers. By assigning them meaningful tasks, organisations also ensure a more competent and capable workforce in the future.
As organisations, institutions and individuals, we must uphold the dignity of our service personnel, harness their potential and invest in the leaders and professionals of tomorrow. By doing so, we contribute to the growth and prosperity of our beloved nation.
