The Executive Secretary of the National Identification Authority (NIA), Prof. Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah, has announced that the NIA will launch an initiative to register children between the ages of 6 and 14. This announcement was made during a recent media engagement, where Prof. Attafuah outlined the details and objectives of the upcoming exercise.
Starting on June 10, 2024, the registration exercise will be conducted in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and will be implemented in schools across the country. This initiative aims to ensure that children within the specified age range are documented in the national identification system without any financial burden on their families.
“This is not a mass registration, unlike what we did some years ago. This is not time for the replacement of cards for people to troop in for that. No, we are not going to offer any other registration service at the schools. Even if you are a teacher in the school where the exercise is going on, you will not be allowed to register during this exercise.”
Prof. Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah, Executive Secretary of the National Identification Authority (NIA)
Parents are required to accompany their children to the registration centers at their respective schools with either birth certificates or passports. In cases where children do not have these documents, parents or guardians must be present to serve as guarantors, facilitating the registration process.
The NIA plans to conduct this registration exercise in approximately 170 districts nationwide. However, the primary locations will be districts that have NHIA offices, ensuring a broad and efficient reach. This targeted approach is intended to streamline the process and maximize the number of children registered within the timeframe.
To support this initiative, the NIA will provide comprehensive training for teachers at the participating schools. These teachers will play a crucial role in assisting with the organization and smooth operation of the registration process.
Additionally, NIA officers will receive specialized training to handle interactions with both parents and children effectively, ensuring the exercise is conducted professionally and without disruptions to regular school activities.
Preparations and Expectations
The NIA is taking measures to ensure a smooth and efficient registration process. Officers are being trained to handle the unique dynamics of registering children, and schools are being prepared to accommodate the influx of parents and guardians.
The partnership with the NHIA is expected to streamline the process, leveraging existing health insurance infrastructure to reach more children.
Prof. Attafuah emphasized that the registration will not interfere with regular school activities, assuring that the exercise will be conducted during times that do not disrupt the academic schedule.
This attention to detail reflects the NIA’s commitment to making the registration process as convenient and stress-free as possible for families.
By registering children, authorities aim to establish a robust identification system that facilitates easier access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare programs. This is crucial for ensuring that children can avail themselves of opportunities and protections afforded by these services.
The registration of children serves as a foundational step towards ensuring their inclusion in society, supporting their development, and protecting their rights. It lays the groundwork for accessing essential services, participating in education, and benefiting from social security provisions.
The upcoming registration exercise by the NIA represents a landmark effort to ensure every child in Ghana is recognized and accounted for in the national identity system. By focusing on children aged six to fourteen, the initiative aims to lay a solid foundation for their future participation in society, providing them with the means to access opportunities and services that can shape their lives positively.
