Ghana’s National Service Scheme Reimagined: From Graduate Placement to Agribusiness Powerhouse

The National Service Scheme (NSS) is undergoing a bold transformation that could reshape both Ghana’s employment landscape and its agricultural future. Traditionally viewed as a placement agency for graduates, the scheme is now positioning itself as a driver of youth employment and food security through a massive push into agribusiness.

Under the leadership of Ruth Dela Seddoh, appointed Director-General of the National Service Authority (NSA) in September 2025, the NSS is channeling 50,000 graduates annually into poultry, livestock, and maize value chains—not just as workers, but as entrepreneurs.

The scale is unprecedented. In just eight months, the NSS scaled up poultry production from 2,500 to over 200,000 birds, with a new target of 500,000 by next year. This expansion comes as Ghana spends nearly $600 million annually on poultry imports, which currently cover 70% of national consumption.

Seddoh emphasizes that the scheme’s agribusiness strategy is about more than temporary jobs. It addresses structural weaknesses in Ghana’s economy: import dependence, foreign exchange drain, and youth unemployment. By subsidizing inputs—such as offering broilers at GH¢70 instead of GH¢150—the NSS is making agribusiness accessible to graduates, especially women, who would otherwise face steep entry barriers.

Balancing Youth Support with Market Sustainability

The NSS is working closely with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) to ensure that support for youth entrepreneurs does not undermine private producers. The aim is an integrated ecosystem where government, private sector, and development partners collaborate to grow agribusiness sustainably.

Changing Perceptions of Agriculture

For decades, agriculture has been stigmatized as low-status among educated youth. By framing it as modern, technology-driven, and profitable, the NSS hopes to rebrand farming as a viable path to self-employment and dignity. Success stories of graduates building sustainable agribusinesses will be critical in driving this perception shift.

A Model for Africa

Beyond Ghana, this experiment has continental relevance. Across Africa, youth unemployment and rising food import bills present intertwined challenges. If Ghana’s youth-driven agribusiness model proves viable, it could become a blueprint for other African nations in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Challenges Ahead

Scaling to 500,000 birds and expanding into livestock and maize production demands reliable feed supply, veterinary services, and strong market access. The real test will be ensuring graduates remain in agribusiness beyond their service year—whether through cooperatives, independent ventures, or sustained NSS support.

Still, with rapid scaling achieved in just months, the NSS agribusiness vision is already one of Ghana’s most ambitious youth and food security initiatives. Its success or failure will determine whether the scheme becomes a game-changer for employment and food sovereignty or another stalled experiment.