NIA Debunks Registration Of NPP Members At Private Residence

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has denied reports that some Ghanaians claimed to NPP supporters are being registered for the Ghana card registration in a private residence at Kaneshie in Accra.

The Kaneshie District Police Command has indicated that it is investigating a case brought before it by two persons who claim the NIA was illegally registering some individuals for the cards.

Speaking on Eyewitness News, Public Relations officer of the Authority, Francis Palmdeti said although the issue had been brought to their attention, only one machine which will not be able to execute all the registration processes was found in the said house, hence claims that there is a registration centre there are palpable lies.

“We don't have a registration centre sited in any private home. The registration centres are in public places. Our laws require that, wherever we set up a registration centre, it should be in a public place and it must be eligible to an eligible applicant. So we do not site any registration centre in a private residence. That is a fact.”

“I want to indicate that the equipment that was sited at the said private residence is a mobile registration work station which enables cards to be issued to applicants who have registered. The information we have is that, the equipment that is in the possession of the police cannot issue a card; all it does is to capture information.”, he noted.

Mr. Palmdeti further indicated the NIA’s commitment to partnering with the police to get to the bottom of the matter adding that the Authority has also begun its internal investigations.

“We know this case is being handled by the police who are investigating the matter. NIA is doing its own internal investigation which we will be happy to share with them as when they call for information to assist them in the investigation.”

What the police says

ACP Edward Kwakye Kumah, the Kaneshi District Police commander who narrated the incident to the media said, his outfit will soon come out with its findings assuring that they have already launched investigations into the matter.

“At about 9:20 pm, we received a report from one Abraham Nii Quaye who was accompanied by Alexander Nii Annang that a group of people were registering for NIA's Ghana card in a private house around St. Theresa's school. So they moved into the house and removed some of the equipment.”

“So, our men on duty went to the house but didn't meet the two NIA officials who live in the house. They met the landlord who was later invited for questioning. We have also spoken extensively to the complainants, the district EC official responsible for the area but we are yet to interview the two NIA officers in the house. So for now, we are still investigating the case. We will make further details known later”, he added.

—citinewsroom