Govt. needs reliable data for effective planning

Accra, Sept. 5, GNA - Professor Ernest Dumor, Executive Secretary, National Identification Authority (NIA), on Tuesday stressed the need for Ghana to have a reliable data that would enhance effective distribution of resources for the entire populace.

Prof. Dumor noted that it was possible for Ghana to transform its resources so that each and everyone would benefit from national development thereby enhancing standards of living.

Speaking at a day's workshop on the National Identification Systems for Eminent Persons from the Muslim Community at Kawokudi in Accra, he urged all to take part in the registration exercise scheduled for early next year.

The workshop was aimed at answering questions and disseminating information on National Information System (NIS) to various community leaders as well as motivating various communities to fully participate in the various stages of NIS operations.

NIS is a multi-purpose computer system that will collect personal data of the population into a national register. Under the NIS, Identity Cards known as "Ghanacard" would be issued after registration. Professor Dumor observed that the country had no reliable data on its citizenry, saying that was creating difficulty for planning and distribution of the nation's resources. Comparing Ghana to Malaysia, Professor Dumor said Malaysia had been able to chalk success in development through effective planning and distribution of their resources.

He therefore called on all and sundry to provide adequate and reliable data on themselves so that the state could reach out to all in terms of planning and distribution of resources. Prof. Dumor said the time had come for Ghanaians to create a national register in order to fulfil the requirements set out in the constitution.

Mr Chris Bogart, a Communication Specialist of the NIA, said the NIS was going to provide a common basis to integrate all different groups in the country for national development.

Mr Bogart said the NIS was expected to start its operations before December 31, 2007 adding, "We can only achieve this if only we all build a national alliance." He cautioned against double registration and provision of false information during the exercise saying such people would be dealt with by the law. 05 Sept. 06