National Service Scheme Act

National Service Scheme Act, the National Service programme is a compulsory one-year service required of all citizens of Ghana who are 18 years and above, at the time of deployment. The Scheme which started in 1973 now operates under Act 426 (of 1980). The objectives of the Scheme are to:
Encourage the spirit of national service among ALL segments of Ghanaian society in the effort of nation-building through active participation.
2. Undertake projects designed to combat hunger, illiteracy, disease and unemployment in Ghana.
3. Help provide essential services and amenities, particularly in towns and villages of the rural areas of Ghana.
4. Develop skilled manpower through practical training.
5. Promote national unity and strengthen the bonds of common citizenship among Ghanaians.

The Act mandates the Scheme to mobilise and deploy “any person to whom the Scheme applies to be engaged, full time, in any of the following fields”:
a. Agriculture
b. Co-operatives
c. Education
d. Health
e. Local Government
f. Military
g. Rural Development, including surveying, physical planning, civil engineering and rural industries
h. Youth programmes
i. Any other field that the Board may prescribe from time to time.
Any such person shall comply with the directions of the Board.
 

GHANA NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME ACT – 1980 (ACT 426)

• Section – 1 – Establishment Of The Ghana National Service Scheme

• Section – 2 – Application Of Scheme

• Section – 3 – Persons To Be Directed To Render Service In Certain Fields

• Section – 4 – Duration Of National Service

• Section – 5 – Terms And Conditions Of Engagement

• Section – 6 – Certificate Of National Service

• Section – 7 – Persons Liable To National Service Not To Be Employed Contrary To The Provisions Of This Act

• Section – 8 – Exemptions

• Section – 9 – Board To Be Notified Of Persons Who Have Completed Course Of Study

• Section – 10 – The Board

• Section – 11 – Qualifications And Disqualifications Of Members Of Board

• Section – 12 – Tenure Of Office And Emoluments Of Members Of The Board

• Section – 13 – Objects And Functions Of Board

• Section – 14 – Meetings Of Board

• Section – 15 – Director Of Scheme

• Section – 16 – Staff Of Scheme

• Section – 17 – Secretary Of Scheme

• Section – 18 – Internal Auditor

• Section – 19 – Board Members Not To Sponsor Appointments

• Section – 20 – Funds Of Scheme

• Section – 21 – Estimates Of Expenditure

• Section – 22 – Financial Year

• Section – 23 – Bank Accounts And Borrowing Powers Of Board

• Section – 24 – Accounts And Audit

• Section – 25 – Access To Information

• Section – 26 – Powers Of Board To Give Directions

• Section – 27 – Annual Report

• Section – 28 – Offences

• Section – 29 – Regulations

• Section – 30 – Interpretation

• Section – 31 – Repeal