Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Clement Abas Apaak, has voiced strong opposition to Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent proposal to make National Service optional, raising doubts about Bawumia’s comprehension of the program’s objectives.
In a tweet, Apaak questioned whether Dr Bawumia himself had undergone National Service, suggesting that if he had, he would not have made what he termed an “unpatriotic proposal.”
Apaak expressed skepticism about Dr. Bawumia’s understanding of the purpose and objectives of the National Service program, hinting that the Vice President may not have participated in National Service himself.
“Did DMB do National Service? I don’t know, do you? If he did National Service, I doubt he would have made the unpatriotic proposal to make it optional,” Apaak tweeted. “What is clear to me is that he doesn’t understand the concept of National Service, and neither does he appreciate the objectives of the National Service Programme. I suspect DMB didn’t do National Service. Prove me wrong.”
The controversy erupted following Dr. Bawumia’s recent pledge, made during the presentation of his vision as the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, to make National Service voluntary if elected into office. Dr. Bawumia argued that this change would open up job opportunities for the youth, proposing that those who secure employment after completing their education be exempted from National Service.
Under Dr. Bawumia’s proposed plan, National Service would no longer be mandatory, and students would have the option to decide whether to participate. He asserted that this shift would encourage companies to engage in campus recruitment activities annually.
Apaak’s comments have ignited a debate on social media, with many users weighing in on the merits and drawbacks of Dr. Bawumia’s proposal. While some have echoed Apaak’s concerns about the potential impact on national unity and the importance of civic duty, others have supported Dr. Bawumia’s argument for increased flexibility and job opportunities for graduates.
As the discourse continues, the future of the National Service program remains a topic of contention, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments and awaiting further clarifications from both government officials and opposition figures.