The National Identification Authority (NIA) has cracked the whip on 13 members of its registration team in the Upper East Region, following allegations that some officials demanded money from parents before registering their children for the Ghana Card.
Six of the officials have been arrested by the Bawku West District Police, while the appointments of seven others have been terminated following an internal investigation into the alleged misconduct.
According to a statement issued by the NIA, the incident occurred at the Galaka registration centre during the recently concluded free Ghana Card registration exercise for children aged six to 14.
The Authority explained that the six arrested officials were identified by parents of applicants as having allegedly demanded money before registering their children, despite the exercise being free of charge.
The suspects are currently assisting the police with investigations.
Seven Others Dismissed
Beyond the arrests, the NIA disclosed that an extensive internal review had uncovered alleged misconduct involving seven other members of the registration team.
Although the seven were not identified as having directly demanded money from applicants, the Authority said its investigation established that they were aware of the alleged extortion but failed to report it.
Consequently, their appointments have been terminated.
The statement did not disclose the identities of the six arrested officials or the seven whose appointments were terminated.
It also did not indicate the amounts allegedly demanded from parents or whether any of the suspects had been formally charged.
NIA Warns Staff
The Authority has warned its personnel against demanding unauthorised payments from applicants, stressing that all registration exercises must be conducted in accordance with approved procedures.
It maintained that no employee has the authority to impose unauthorised charges on applicants or their parents.
The NIA further indicated that it would not hesitate to take disciplinary action against officials whose conduct undermines the integrity of the national identification system.
According to the Authority, protecting the credibility of the Ghana Card registration process remains a priority, and personnel are expected to discharge their duties professionally and fairly.
The Authority has consequently encouraged members of the public to report suspected misconduct through its official channels to enable appropriate action to be taken.
Meanwhile, police investigations into the alleged extortion are continuing.
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