National Service Scheme NSS personnel Stephanie Baan has shared how she came to national attention after being identified by Ghana’s Energy Minister during restoration works at the Ghana Grid Company Limited facility in Akosombo.
The electrical engineering graduate from the University of Mines and Technology explained that she was actively engaged in hands on technical work alongside engineers and fellow service personnel when the Minister noticed her efforts during a late night inspection.
According to her, the encounter occurred around 10 p.m. while she was working in a trench handling armoured cables as part of efforts to restore power following disruptions to the national grid.
“I was spotted first by the Energy Minister who initially recommended me to the President and that is how my story started,” she recounted, adding that the Minister was particularly impressed by her dedication as a service personnel working on site at that hour.
She emphasised that the restoration work was a collective effort involving engineers, technicians and other NSS personnel. “We were all working hands on my team and colleagues just contributing to restoring power for the nation,” she said.
Ms Baan described her subsequent recognition by the President as unexpected noting that the experience left her overwhelmed but grateful. She attributed the moment to favour and expressed appreciation for the opportunity.
She also revealed that the recognition has generated widespread positive reactions including messages and calls from across her network and beyond.
Encouraging fellow NSS personnel she urged them to remain committed and treat their service period as an opportunity for growth and visibility stressing that dedication does not go unnoticed even if recognition is delayed.
“I hope their efforts are not overlooked. They also contributed to the results we have now,” she said acknowledging the contributions of her colleagues.
Ms Baan further expressed gratitude to the Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor and the President John Dramani Mahama for recognising her work adding that she intends to build on the opportunity and continue developing her skills.
She concluded by encouraging NSS personnel to view national service not merely as a requirement but as a platform to learn serve and position themselves for future opportunities.
Meanwhile Director General of the National Service Authority Ruth Dela Seddoh has also commended Ms Baan for her dedication and praised the recognition she received.