NIA begins one-month mop-up Ghana Card registration for children in Volta, Oti regions

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has commenced a one-month mop-up Ghana Card registration exercise for children aged between six and 14 years in the Volta and Oti regions.

The exercise is targeting Ghanaian children who missed the initial registration.

It is being conducted across 22 districts in the two regions.

According to the Authority, the registration forms part of a nationwide effort to ensure more children are captured onto Ghana’s national identification system at an early age.

“The exercise forms part of a nationwide effort to register approximately 3.1 million children, aimed at deepening inclusion and strengthening Ghana's national identity system from an early age,” the NIA said in an earlier statement announcing the exercise.

The ongoing registration is taking place in South Tongu, Adaklu, Ketu South, Akatsi South, Kpando Municipal, Hohoe Municipal, South Dayi, North Tongu, North Dayi, Afadzato South, Central Tongu, Ho West, Ho Municipal, Krachi Nchumuru, Krachi East, Kadjebi, Nkwanta South, Biakoye, Guan, Nkwanta North, Jasikan and Krachi West.

Registration centres operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The NIA said children who do not attend school can also register at any designated centre within the affected districts.

The exercise follows the Authority’s resumption of Ghana Card registration for children in the Volta and Oti regions on May 5, which was initially scheduled to run for 21 days in phases.

Under the registration requirements, parents or guardians are expected to provide supporting documents to facilitate the process.

“To register a child, a parent or guardian must present the child's original Birth Certificate, a valid Ghanaian passport, or a Certificate of Acquired Citizenship,” the Authority stated.

The NIA explained that where such documents are unavailable, an Oath of Identity form may be completed by a parent, relative or legal guardian.

In situations where a child has no known relatives, two Social Welfare Officers may vouch for the child under oath.