The National Identification Authority (NIA) has terminated the appointments of seven staff members and reported the arrest of six others over alleged extortion during a free Ghana Card registration exercise for children in the Upper East Region.
The alleged misconduct occurred at the Galaka registration centre, where the Authority was registering children aged between six and 14. According to the NIA, some parents identified six registration staff members as individuals who allegedly demanded money before registering their children.
The Bawku West District Police subsequently arrested the six suspects, who are assisting with investigations, the Authority said in a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
The NIA also terminated the appointments of seven other members of the registration team. The Authority said they were allegedly aware of the misconduct but failed to report it.
The statement, signed by the Head of the Corporate Affairs Directorate, Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, said the disciplinary decisions followed an internal review of the allegations.
The Authority reiterated that staff members are not authorised to demand unauthorised payments from applicants or parents during registration exercises.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to addressing misconduct and protecting the integrity of the Ghana Card registration process.
The NIA urged members of the public to report suspected extortion or other irregularities through its official channels, stressing that registration services must be delivered fairly and professionally.
The arrests and dismissals come as the Authority seeks to ensure that the free registration exercise for eligible children is conducted in line with approved procedures.
The six arrested staff members remain subjects of police investigations, and the allegations against them have not been established in court.
