The National Identification Authority (NIA) is racing to resolve internal tensions after employees announced an indefinite strike over unpaid allowances, potentially jeopardizing key national services linked to identity verification.

Workers affiliated with the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) officially commenced industrial action on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, citing the delayed payment of Operational Support Allowances.

In an official statement, the Authority acknowledged the strike action and recognized the issues raised.

“Management recognises the concerns raised in the Union’s communiqué dated 23rd June 2025, particularly regarding the delayed payment of the Operational Support Allowance, an issue of great importance to the Authority and its staff.”
National Identification Authority (NIA)

To address the dispute, the NIA held a strategic meeting on the morning of the strike with the Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), Dr. George Smith-Graham, and his team.

Discussions focused on outlining a path to secure the necessary government backing for the disbursement of owed funds.

According to the Authority, a key consensus from the meeting was the need for the Ministry of Finance to make a firm commitment.

“It was collectively agreed that the Ministry of Finance must provide a definitive timeline and written commitment to the resumption of the Operational Support Allowance payments.
“This commitment is critical to ensure the continuity of NIA operations and avoid the potential loss of revenue and disruption to essential national services, especially ID verification across sectors that rely heavily on the Ghana Card.”
National Identification Authority (NIA)

Accordingly, the NIA Management urged staff to resume duties in the national interest.

The statement emphasized that discussions with key government stakeholders are actively ongoing to secure the necessary financial commitment from the Ministry of Finance and ensure prompt resolution of all outstanding issues.

NIA Pledges Payment of Allowances

The NIA also reaffirmed a prior assurance first communicated during a June 18 press briefing, indicating that payment of the outstanding allowances remains imminent.

Accordingly, Management maintained that the disbursements will be made in the near future.

In addition, the Authority has outlined the next phase of action. A tripartite meeting involving NIA management, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), and the Union leadership will be convened once the Ministry of Finance issues an official letter confirming its commitment.

This meeting is intended to provide clear direction on the way forward and serve as a platform for open and constructive dialogue among all parties.

“The Management of the NIA, led by the Executive Secretary, Mr. Wisdom Kwaku Deku, fully supports staff in their legitimate demands and remains committed to ensuring that all entitlements due staff are paid in accordance with the negotiated agreements.”
National Identification Authority (NIA)

Alongside its reassurances, the management of the National Identification Authority extended its heartfelt appreciation to staff members for their sustained patience amid the ongoing challenges.

The leadership acknowledged the commitment, hard work, and professionalism demonstrated by employees during this period of uncertainty and emphasized the importance of maintaining unity and calm.

Management encouraged staff to continue working collaboratively and in good faith, stressing that their cooperation is vital to achieving a lasting resolution that upholds both institutional integrity and staff welfare.

As the dispute continues, the situation underscores broader challenges in public sector wage administration.

With the Ghana Card now central to government operations, financial services, health access, and national security processes, any prolonged interruption in NIA operations could carry wide-reaching consequences.

Stakeholders and observers are now watching closely to see how the Ministry of Finance responds. Its written commitment may determine whether this industrial action ends quickly or escalates into a deeper national disruption.