The National Identification Authority (NIA) Division of the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) has officially declared an indefinite strike beginning Tuesday, June 24, 2025, over the government’s failure to resume payment of an Operational Support Allowance that has been in arrears since January.
In a formal notice signed by Divisional Secretary Adu Kyeremeh Kwabena and Divisional Chairman Francis Bangfudeme Nyuzaghl, the Union announced that all members across NIA’s Head Office, Regional Offices, Premium Centres, and District Offices would withdraw their services indefinitely until their demands are met.
The allowance, according to the Union, is the only financial support staff receive in addition to their basic salaries, which it described as “meagre.”
It was the outcome of prolonged negotiations concluded in July 2024 between the Government of Ghana – represented by the Ministry of Finance and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission – and PSWU representatives.
“Payment of the allowance commenced in August 2024 and continued through to December 2024. Unfortunately, these payments have stalled since January 2025”
PSWU NIA Division
Despite months of follow-ups, the Ministry of Finance has failed to provide any definitive commitment or timeline for resuming payments. The Union said this inaction has pushed its members to the brink of financial and emotional strain.
Unfulfilled Promises
Union leaders referenced several public assurances from NIA Management, including one at a press briefing on June 18, 2025, where officials reiterated that the allowances would be paid “very, very soon.” However, no tangible steps have followed these promises.
“Despite this and many assurances, as of today, especially after a crunch meeting at the Finance Ministry, no concrete steps or timelines have been provided to address the matter”
PSWU NIA Division
The leadership further emphasized that staff have shown restraint out of respect for NIA Management’s efforts, but their patience has now worn thin.
According to the Union, the decision to strike came only after exhausting all avenues for peaceful resolution. The final trigger was a round of engagement with the Ministry of Finance on June 23, 2025, which failed to yield a meaningful outcome.
“Repeated follow-ups, constructive engagement, and our demonstrated willingness to cooperate in good faith have regrettably not been met with the urgency and seriousness this issue demands”
PSWU NIA Division
The Union also acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of key stakeholders who attempted to mediate a resolution, but stressed that goodwill alone was not enough without concrete governmental action.
Industrial Action Begins
All PSWU members at the NIA have been directed to withdraw their services until the government resumes the Operational Support Allowance payments in full. The Union has instructed members to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the strike period.
“This industrial action is not taken lightly. It reflects the deep frustration of staff who have endured this situation for far too long amidst persistent neglect”
PSWU NIA Division
While the strike is set to cause disruptions in the delivery of national identification services across Ghana, the Union maintained that it remains open to further dialogue. However, it insisted that any such engagement must lead to immediate and full payment of the Operational Support Allowance as “negotiated, agreed and signed.”
The indefinite strike is expected to impact registration services, card issuance, and other NIA operations nationwide, potentially affecting travel, banking, and SIM registration activities that rely on the Ghana Card. As of now, the Ministry of Finance has not issued any official response.
