GRA Refutes NIA Debt Claims, Calls for Amicable Resolution

Accra: The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has refuted claims by the National Identification Authority (NIA) that it owes fees for identity verification services, describing the disconnection from NIA's Identity Verification System (IVS) as surprising and unfortunate. A statement issued by the GRA and copied to the Ghana News Agency said it had taken note of media reports and public commentary following NIA's action, and deemed it necessary to clarify the matter.According to Ghana News Agency, the alleged debt may stem from a 'legacy issue' arising from services rendered by the NIA prior to 2025. However, the Authority stated that, based on its current assessment, there were no regulatory or governance approvals covering the transactions that gave rise to the purported debt.It said its internal protocols required strict adherence to transparency, compliance, and governance, in line with the Government's reset agenda, and therefore it could not validate or enforce transactions that did not meet regulatory st andards. The GRA added that the NIA had, over the years, been allowed to operate desk offices within GRA premises nationwide to register individuals and issue Ghana Cards, without paying rent or utility charges.It said ongoing high-level discussions between the two institutions were aimed at resolving the matter amicably, especially since GRA had identified procedural irregularities and could not confirm the existence of a formal service agreement between the parties. 'The GRA acknowledges the importance of inter-agency collaboration in achieving national development goals, particularly in integrating the Ghana Card into the tax system,' the statement said.The Authority extended a hand of cooperation to the NIA and emphasised the need to strengthen their relationship in a spirit of mutual respect and transparency. The GRA also assured taxpayers and the general public of its continued commitment to fairness, integrity, responsiveness, service, and teamwork.