Deputy Finance Minister-designate, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has responded to public backlash over his national service record.
Following his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Thomas Ampem faced criticism for not undertaking the mandatory national service assignment.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Ampem clarified his position, saying: “Hello friends, following my vetting today, I wish to state that I was a teacher with GES, that’s why I didn’t do the normal national service.”
The Asuogyaman MP, Thomas Ampem’s explanation was in response to questions posed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin during the vetting process. When asked if he had undertaken national service, Ampem replied, “No.”
The controversy surrounding Thomas Ampem’s national service record has sparked debate about exemptions under the Ghana National Service Scheme Act, 1980 (Act 426).
While some argue that Thomas Ampem’s exemption is legitimate, others claim that it highlights loopholes in the system.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
