NIA workers to strike on May 13

Workers of the National Identification Authority (NIA) have announced plans to embark on an indefinite strike beginning May 13, 2026, due to delays in the approval and implementation of a migration report that impacts salaries, promotions, and staff placements.

According to a report by myjoyonline.com on May 7, 2026, the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) issued a notice on May 6, accusing the Ministry of Finance of causing an “undue delay” in granting final approval for the migration exercise, despite the process having started nearly two years ago.

The union noted that the Scheme of Service for NIA staff was approved in July 2024, which initiated the migration exercise in December of the same year.

However, twenty-two months later, the process remains incomplete, leaving many employees without the salaries and promotions to which they are entitled.

“In our estimation, this process has been unduly delayed, denying staff their rightful placement, corresponding salaries, and outstanding promotions,” stated PSWU General Secretary Bernard Adjei in the strike notice addressed to the National Labour Commission (NLC) and NIA management.

While the union acknowledged that NIA management has engaged with stakeholders and provided assurances, they emphasised that repeated discussions have failed to yield results.

“All efforts to secure the necessary attention on this critical issue have not produced the desired outcomes,” the statement added.

The PSWU warned that the ongoing delay poses a risk to industrial harmony within the Authority.

The migration exercise is intended to align staff positions, salaries, and career progression with qualifications, experience, and responsibilities.

Without implementation, many staff members remain on incorrect salary scales and cannot access the promotions they deserve.

The union explained that the decision to strike was reached after internal consultations, leaving the leadership with “no alternative” but to support this action.

“If we do not receive the necessary approvals for the implementation of the migration reports for NIA staff by May 13, 2026, the industrial action will commence without further notice.”

Copies of this notice have also been sent to the Minister of Finance, the National Security Coordinator, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), and the Divisional Secretary of PSWU-NIA.

This planned strike could significantly impact operations at the NIA, which is responsible for issuing the Ghana Card and managing the country’s national identification database.

NAD/AM

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