The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced the arrest of six staff members and the dismissal of seven others over alleged extortion during the free Ghana Card registration exercise for children aged six to 14 at Galaka in the Upper East Region.
The six staff members were arrested by the Bawku West District Police after parents identified them as allegedly demanding money before registering their children.
In a statement dated October 29, 2026, and signed by the Head of its Corporate Affairs Directorate, Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, the NIA said the suspects were assisting the police with investigations.
The Authority also disclosed that it had terminated the appointments of seven other members of the registration team following an internal review.
According to the NIA, the review established that the seven staff members were aware of the alleged extortion but failed to report it to the appropriate authorities.
The disciplinary actions follow reports of misconduct during the recently concluded Ghana Card registration exercise, which was intended to provide free registration services to children between the ages of six and 14.
The NIA emphasised that registration services must be conducted in accordance with approved procedures and that no staff member is authorised to demand unauthorised payments from applicants or their parents.
“The NIA 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,” the statement said.
The Authority urged members of the public to report suspected misconduct through its official channels to help prevent similar incidents.
It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and professionalism in the delivery of registration services, warning that staff members found engaging in misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary action.
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