The National Service Authority (NSA) has partnered with Absa Bank Ghana and the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) to introduce an overdraft facility aimed at cushioning National Service Personnel (NSPs) against delays in the payment of monthly allowances.
The initiative is designed to provide immediate financial relief to service personnel across the country, ensuring they are not left stranded during periods of delayed disbursement.
Announcing the partnership, Director-General of the NSA, Ruth Dela Seddoh, acknowledged the challenges faced by personnel due to irregular allowance payments and said the Authority is taking concrete steps to address the situation.
“We hear the frustration of our service personnel, and we are taking concrete action. Delays in the release of funds have, at times, placed hardship on young graduates serving their nation,” she said.
She added that the collaboration, facilitated by NASPA, would help bridge the gap between service delivery and allowance payments, ensuring that personnel can meet their basic needs without disruption.
Under the arrangement, Absa Bank will offer qualifying NSPs an overdraft facility of up to 85 percent of their monthly allowance. The facility comes with zero interest during the delay period, requires no collateral, and will be automatically repaid once the NSA releases the outstanding allowances.
The intervention is available to all active NSPs who hold an Absa Ignition Account—a youth-focused account that offers zero maintenance fees, a free international debit card for online transactions, and travel insurance cover of up to GH¢100,000.
Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana, Edward Nartey Botchway, said the bank recognises the financial pressure caused by delays in allowance payments, particularly for young graduates who depend on the funds for essential expenses such as rent and transportation.
“This collaboration aims to ensure that a delay in disbursement does not become a crisis for our national service personnel,” he noted.
The NSA reaffirmed its commitment to improving service delivery and ensuring timely payment of allowances, while expressing appreciation to service personnel for their continued contribution to national development.
