The National Identification Authority (NIA) of Ghana has taken disciplinary action against staff members involved in alleged extortion during the Ghana Card registration exercise for children aged six to 14 in the Upper East Region. Six staff members were arrested by the Bawku West District Police after parents identified them as demanding money for registration services.
According to the NIA, an internal review established that seven other staff members were aware of the alleged extortion but failed to report it to the authorities. As a result, their appointments were terminated. The arrested staff members are assisting the police with investigations. The NIA emphasized that registration services must be conducted in accordance with approved procedures, and no staff member is authorized to demand unauthorized payments.
The disciplinary actions follow reports of misconduct during the recently concluded Ghana Card registration exercise, which aimed to provide free registration services to children between six and 14 years old. The NIA stated that it takes allegations of misconduct seriously and will continue to take disciplinary action to protect the integrity of its registration processes.
The Authority urged members of the public to report suspected misconduct through its official channels to prevent similar incidents. The NIA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and professionalism in delivering registration services, warning that staff members found engaging in misconduct will face disciplinary action.
The Ghana Card registration exercise was intended to provide identification documents to children in the specified age range. However, the alleged extortion by some staff members undermined the exercise's purpose. The NIA's actions demonstrate its efforts to ensure that registration services are conducted fairly and professionally.
The Upper East Region, where the alleged extortion occurred, has been a focus area for the Ghana Card registration exercise. The NIA's efforts to address misconduct in the region are crucial in maintaining public trust in the registration process. The Authority's commitment to transparency and professionalism is essential in ensuring the integrity of the Ghana Card registration exercise.
The NIA's disciplinary actions against staff members involved in alleged extortion serve as a deterrent to others who may engage in similar misconduct. The Authority's efforts to prevent extortion and ensure fair registration services are essential in promoting public trust and confidence in the Ghana Card registration exercise.
Key points
- The NIA arrested six staff members and dismissed seven others over alleged extortion during the Ghana Card registration exercise in the Upper East Region.
- The registration exercise aimed to provide free identification documents to children between six and 14 years old.
- The NIA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and professionalism in delivering registration services.
