The National Identification Authority (NIA) has arrested six staff members and terminated the appointments of seven others following allegations of extortion during the recently concluded free Ghana Card registration exercise for children aged between six and 14 years at the Galaka Registration Centre in the Upper East Region.
According to a statement issued by the Authority, the six staff members were identified by parents of applicants as individuals who allegedly demanded money before registering children under the exercise.
The NIA disclosed that the suspects have been arrested by the Bawku West District Police and are currently assisting with investigations into the matter.
The Authority explained that the action formed part of measures taken to uphold transparency and accountability within its registration processes.
Following what it described as an extensive internal review, the NIA also terminated the appointments of seven additional members of the registration team.
The Authority said the affected officers were found to have been aware of the alleged misconduct but failed to report the matter through the appropriate channels.
Reaffirming its commitment to integrity and professionalism, the NIA stressed that all registration exercises must be conducted in accordance with approved procedures.
It further emphasized that no staff member is authorized to demand or receive unauthorized payments from applicants or their parents under any circumstances.
“The Authority reiterates that registration must be conducted in accordance with approved procedures. No staff member is authorised to demand unauthorised payments from applicants or their parents,” the statement said.
The NIA noted that it takes allegations of misconduct seriously and will continue to implement appropriate disciplinary measures to protect the integrity of its operations and ensure fair service delivery to the public.
The Authority also encouraged members of the public to report suspected acts of misconduct through its official channels to support efforts aimed at promoting accountability and transparency.
The statement was signed by Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, Head of the Corporate Affairs Directorate of the National Identification Authority, and dated October 29, 2026.