By Jeremiah Nutsugah
Numerous stranded applicants have appealed to the Government to address the National Identification Authority (NIA) strike, which has left clients unable to access essential services.
The indefinite strike by the National Identification Authority staff has stranded many applicants urgently needing the Ghana Card, particularly those who traveled from far into the city.
The decision to strike was unanimously reached during a Council meeting on May 23rd, 2024, after the government failed to negotiate improved conditions of service for NIA staff. According to the Union, the government has not shown good faith in the negotiation process.
The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, NIA, and Ministries of Employment and Finance have blatantly defied pre-negotiation conditions.
On what would have been a busy day at the NIA Head Office, applicants seeking card acquisition, replacement, or updates found empty seats due to the strike.
Frustrated applicants expressed grievances, fearing they may not be able to participate in essential activities such as voting or securing employment.
One applicant, who needed to replace the Ghana card for a voting transfer, expressed concern about not being able to participate in the voting process if the strike continues.
Another Ghana Card applicant shared, ”I want to go and buy forms. I went and they said unless I bring my Ghana card before I buy my forms. So, I came here last Friday, and they told me to come today because they are closing at 4:30, so they want to go home, and I said okay, so I came today, and I’m not hearing anything. If I don’t get a Ghana card today, which means unless I wait for next year or something before, I buy the forms. I need it urgently.”
A third applicant revealed, “I got a job and the Ghana card is a requirement. If I’m unable to provide the Ghana card this week, it means I could lose my job. And I came here last Friday, and they said I should come today with ghc420 to replace the card. I came this morning with the ghc420 in my pocket and they said they are on strike.”
Addressing the government, applicants urged action to resolve the strike, emphasising the urgency of their needs, such as buying forms, securing employment, or paying school fees.
“We urge the government to address the situation promptly so that the NIA staff can resume their duties and assist us,” they pleaded.
