Increase in NSS Allowance to 900 Cedis; Dennis Appiah Larbi
Dennis Appiah Larbi, former NUGS president has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to increase the National Service Scheme (NSS) allowance to at least 900 cedis. In a Facebook post, he detailed the history of his advocacy for fair compensation for NSS personnel and urged the government to address the economic realities facing young people serving the nation.
A History of Advocacy
Appiah Larbi recounted his leadership in a sustained campaign in 2022 to increase the NSS allowance from 559 to 800 cedis. The effort included petitions, media engagements, and direct discussions with key stakeholders, including the President and the management of the NSS.
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In November 2022, Appiah Larbi led a team of young advocates to the Jubilee House to press their demands. During that meeting, President Akufo-Addo assured him that the issue would be considered in the next budget cycle. While the allowance was subsequently increased to 715 cedis, Appiah Larbi expressed disappointment, arguing that 800 cedis was the minimum that should have been offered.
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Renewed Call for Action
Appiah Larbi’s recent post calls for a further increase in the allowance, citing the rising cost of living and the government’s responsibility to ensure fair compensation for the over 100,000 NSS personnel serving the country. He also pointed out the disparity between the increment in NSS allowances under the current administration—just 28% over eight years—and the significant salary increases public sector workers have received in the same period.
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“In your 8 years, public workers have had over 50% increase in remuneration, with some exceeding 100%. Meanwhile, NSS allowances have only seen a single adjustment,” he emphasized.
A Plea for Structural Reform
In addition to calling for an immediate increase, Appiah Larbi urged the government to establish a formula for adjusting NSS allowances. He argued that the current system’s ad hoc nature fails to account for inflation and economic realities, leaving young people vulnerable to the whims of successive administrations.
“It should not be as and when the government wishes, even when it’s not fair to young people,” he wrote.
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A Challenge to Leadership
Appiah Larbi concluded his statement with an appeal to the President, reminding him of a precedent former President John Mahama set. In 2016, Mahama approved an increase in the NSS allowance from 350 to 559 cedis before leaving office, demonstrating a commitment to young people even during a transition of power.
“Your Excellency, you are still within your mandate. Doing the needful will not only be right but fair,” he said.
The Wait for a Response
Appiah Larbi’s post has sparked conversations among young people, many of whom are eagerly awaiting a response from the government. The call for a fair NSS allowance echoes broader concerns about youth welfare and economic equity in Ghana.
As Appiah Larbi stated, “Myself and many young people will be on standby to hear from you.”
The ball now lies in the government’s court to decide whether to heed this renewed call for action.
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