NIA calls on striking staff to resume work as allowance talks continue

The Management of the National Identification Authority (NIA) is appealing to striking staff to return to work as efforts intensify to resolve the dispute over unpaid Operational Support Allowances.

In a statement signed by Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, Acting Head of Corporate Affairs, the Authority acknowledged the legitimacy of the concerns raised by the workers but urged calm and patience as negotiations continue.

The industrial action, which began on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, was declared by the NIA Division of the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

It has already sparked nationwide concerns over disruptions to Ghana Card registration and verification services, which are essential for banking, elections, and government services.

“We understand the seriousness of the concerns raised and are actively engaging the appropriate institutions to ensure a timely resolution,” the statement noted.

According to the NIA, a meeting was held on Tuesday involving its management, the Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), Dr. George Smith-Graham, and his team to discuss the issues.

Management clarified that payments could not be processed until the Authority receives a clear timeline and written confirmation from the Ministry of Finance.

“We reiterate that the allowances will be paid very soon. But we respectfully appeal to staff to resume work as discussions progress,” the NIA stated.

The Authority cautioned that a prolonged strike could result in significant revenue losses and interruptions to operations at public and private institutions that depend on the Ghana Card for service delivery.

To mitigate these potential impacts, the NIA said a follow-up meeting involving the union, FWSC, and the Authority is being planned, pending confirmation from the Ministry of Finance.

“The NIA Governing Board, under the leadership of Executive Secretary Wisdom Kwaku Deku, is fully behind efforts to address this impasse in accordance with existing agreements with staff,” the statement assured.

The Authority also urged all staff to remain calm, cooperative, and committed as negotiations proceed with relevant stakeholders.