The National Identification Authority (NIA) has arrested six staff members and terminated the appointments of seven others over alleged extortion during the recently concluded Free Ghana Card registration for children aged 6 to 14.
The incident occurred at the Galaka registration centre in the Upper East Region.
According to a press release signed by the Head of Corporate Affairs Directorate, Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, the six were identified by parents of applicants as having demanded money before registering their children.
They have since been arrested by the Bawku West District Police and are assisting with investigations.
Following an extensive internal review, the Authority says it has also terminated 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 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 said 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 services fairly and professionally.
It has encouraged members of the public to report suspected misconduct through its official channels.
Source: Collins Kofi Asante
