Six NIA staff arrested, seven others sacked over alleged extortion at Galaka Ghana Card registration centre

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has arrested six staff members and terminated the appointments of seven others over alleged extortion.

The alleged act reportedly occurred during the recently concluded free Ghana Card registration exercise for children aged six to 14 at the Galaka registration centre in the Upper East Region.

The six staff members were identified by parents of applicants as allegedly demanding money before registering their children.

They have been arrested by the Bawku West District Police and are assisting with investigations, according to the NIA.

The Authority also terminated the appointments of seven other members of the registration team following an internal review.

The seven were found to have been aware of the alleged misconduct but failed to report it.

In a press release dated October 29, the NIA stressed that its registration processes must follow approved procedures and that staff members are not permitted to demand unauthorised payments from applicants or their parents.

“No staff member is authorised to demand unauthorised payments from applicants or their parents,” the Authority stated in part of the statement.

The NIA said it takes allegations of misconduct seriously and would continue to take disciplinary action to protect the integrity of its registration processes and ensure that the public receives fair and professional services.

“The Authority encourages members of the public to report suspected misconduct through its official channels,” the statement added.