President Akufo-Addo has been advised to increase the allowance paid to National Service Personnel (NSP) to cushion them against the current economic downturn.
The advice was given by the Deputy National Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Edem Agbana.
According to him, this must be done urgently as the NSPs are suffering under the prevailing economic circumstances.
In an open letter to the President on Monday, Mr. Agbana said the GH¢559 allowances paid to the NSS personnel cannot even take care of their transport fares for the month.
“Your excellency, there can be no doubt that the country is facing unprecedented economic challenges.
“This is evidenced by the rising inflationary pressures on basic food supplies, fuel, and transport, the depreciation in the value of our local currency, and the ripple effect these have on other vital sectors of the economy.
“For the young people of this country, National Service Personnel, in particular, there seems to be no end in sight as they reel under the pangs of the economic hardship.
“A monthly allowance of about US$43, being the equivalent of GHC559, is simply unsustainable as the value of the cedi plummets against the rising cost of living,” he said.
Mr. Agbana also in the letter said that the enthusiasm of the personnel should be matched with an improved allowance to motivate them.
“More than ever before, Mr. President, we must match the enthusiasm and hard work of our National Service Personnel with improved allowance packages to cushion them and enable them to navigate these hard economic times.”
