NIA arrests six staff, dismisses seven over alleged Ghana Card extortion

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced the arrest of six staff members and the termination of the appointments of seven others over alleged extortion during the free Ghana Card registration exercise at Galaka in the Upper East Region. The disciplinary action follows complaints that some registration officials demanded money from parents before registering their children during the recently concluded exercise for children aged six to 14. In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, the Authority disclosed that the six staff members, who were identified by affected parents, had been arrested by the Bawku West District Police and were assisting with investigations. The NIA further revealed that an extensive internal review had resulted in the dismissal of seven other members of the registration team who were found to have known about the alleged misconduct but failed to report it. The Authority stressed that the Ghana Card registration exercise must be conducted strictly in accordance with approved procedures, emphasising that no official is permitted to demand unauthorised payments from applicants or their parents. It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in its operations, warning that misconduct would attract appropriate disciplinary sanctions. The NIA also assured the public that it would continue to take the necessary measures to safeguard the integrity of its registration processes and ensure that applicants receive fair and professional services. It consequently encouraged members of the public to report suspected misconduct by registration officials through its official communication channels. The statement was signed by Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, Head of the Corporate Affairs Directorate of the NIA.