The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced the arrest of six staff members and the termination of seven others following allegations of extortion during the recent Free Ghana Card registration exercise for children aged 6 to 14 at the Galaka registration centre in the Upper East Region.
According to the NIA, the six staff members were identified by parents of applicants as allegedly demanding money before registering their children. They have been arrested by the Bawku West District Police and are assisting with investigations.
The Authority said an internal review also led to the termination of the appointments of seven other members of the registration team who were found to have been aware of the alleged misconduct but failed to report it.
The NIA reiterated that Ghana Card registration must be conducted in accordance with approved procedures, stressing that no staff member is authorised to demand unauthorised payments from applicants or their parents.
It further stated that it takes allegations of misconduct seriously and will continue to take appropriate disciplinary action to protect the integrity of its registration processes and ensure that the public receives fair and professional services.
The Authority has urged members of the public to report suspected misconduct through its official channels.
By: Bernard Mensah
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