National Service is a one-year mandatory programme for Ghanaian students who graduate from accredited tertiary institutions to serve the nation and to gain working experience. After completing the Higher National Diploma in Accounting at the Accra Technical University in 2017, I was very anxious and highly expectant to do my national service.
Fortunately, I was delighted when I was posted or appointed to work with the National Catholic Health Service-Directorate of Health in Accra. My first meeting with Mr. George Adjei, Director was a pleasant one; he briefed me on all the projects, programmes and the services the Directorate renders to improve the health sector in Ghana.
On the day I officially reported to start my service, I was privileged to be introduced to the officers and the entire staff of the National Catholic Secretariat by Mr. Ivan Essegbe (Uncle Tee). I felt very welcomed and accepted.
Generally, I must say I have learnt a lot from my less than a years’ service at the National Catholic Health Service, which has enriched my understanding and appreciation of good work ethic. My understanding of how to better serve customers and ability to work to meet deadlines have been enhanced.
Through our Monday morning meetings, conferences and workshops, I have learnt the value of hard work, the need to adapt to changes and also appreciate the seamless effort that a good team work pays in moving the work forward. During my service I have improved upon my working experience in areas of positive work ethic, discipline, punctuality and the approach of work with seriousness. My self-confidence has been boasted and I am more willing to do extra duties or work, asses and initiate things independently.
My wonderful experience with the Directorate cannot be without mentioning some few challenges. The delayed in payment of the national service allowance can be frustrating at times since it is a motivational tool which encourages service personnel to work hard and for their up keep.
The Directorate of health NCHS is a place that has wealth of professional experience and expertise that one can learn from. I am very grateful to the entire staff for impacting my life during my stay.
BY NTOBEA ELIZABETH