NIA to Launch Ghana Card Registration for Detained Individuals

Takoradi: The National Identification Authority (NIA) is preparing to conduct a comprehensive registration drive for Ghana cards targeting individuals in detention facilities across the nation. This initiative is aimed at incorporating these individuals into the State's Database System, despite their restricted circumstances.According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Enoch Ben Sackey, the Western Regional Chief Servant of the NIA, emphasized the importance of ensuring every Ghanaian is included in the national database. In an interview in Takoradi, he explained the necessity of registering individuals confined in various locations across the country. Mr. Sackey expressed satisfaction with the progress made last year regarding the registration of individuals aged 15 and above, as well as new registrations for those aged six and above, issuance of cards for those who missed the mass registration, and card replacements, among other activities undertaken by the Authority.Mr. Sackey acknowledged challenges such as ne twork fluctuations, technical issues, financial constraints, and limited staff strength. However, he noted that the Authority implemented measures to address these challenges, resulting in a successful year despite economic difficulties. He also mentioned that arrangements are being made for the registration of Ghanaians living abroad to ensure comprehensive database coverage.All services provided by the Authority are in accordance with laws approved by Parliament, and certain services are offered for a fee. Fees vary between district offices and premium centers, depending on the chosen service. First-time registrants are attended to for free at district offices, as mandated by law. Replacement of cards at district offices is subsidized to a fee of 125 cedis, while at premium centers, it costs 420 cedis. Updating details costs 60 cedis at district offices and 335 cedis at premium centers, with no subsidy at premium centers.Mr. Sackey further explained that registering at a premium center incurs a fee of 3 10 cedis for first-time registrants, in contrast to being free at district centers. The NIA aims to establish a single source of authentic information for the State, providing institutions with access to consistent and reliable details about individuals. He encouraged everyone to be included in the national database, as the Ghana card has become fundamental to all activities in the country.