Over 7.2 million Ghanaians registered so far - NIA

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has indicated that from their pilot phase, it has registered a total of 7,227,939 eligible Ghanaians, printed 6,282,192 cards and issued cards to 4,173,173 qualified Ghanaians.

The NIA was established by an Act of Parliament Act 707 has the mandate to register all Ghanaians and legally and permanently resident foreign nationals six years and above under the National Identification System (NIS), create a national database or register, issue them with National Identity Cards (Ghanacards) and manage the use of the database.

The Authority is mandated to establish a national data centre and manage a national database, set up a system to collect, process, store, retrieve and disseminate personal data on the population (Ghanaian citizens – both resident and non-resident, and legally and permanently resident foreign nationals), ensure the accuracy, integrity and security of such data.

Speaking at a media briefing in Takoradi on Friday to commence registration in the Western, Western North and Central Regions of Ghana, the Executive Secretary for the NIA, Prof Kenneth Agymang Attafuah stated that the registration in the three regions will take place in 47 districts.

He also warned applicants not to pay or give money to any officials of the NIA before, during or after the registration process and any attempts to do so will be considered as a bribe and that is criminal.