Workers of the National Identification Authority have officially embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike over what they describe as poor conditions of service and unresolved welfare concerns.
The industrial action, which took effect after several weeks of internal discussions and failed negotiations, is expected to affect key operations of the Authority, including the registration and issuance of the Ghana Card, card replacements, updates of personal information, and other identification-related services across the country.
According to the aggrieved workers, repeated appeals to management and relevant government institutions to address their concerns have not yielded meaningful results, forcing them to withdraw their services until concrete action is taken.
The workers say they have endured difficult working conditions for years despite the critical national role they play in Ghana’s identification and digitalization agenda. They claim issues relating to salaries, allowances, promotions, logistics, and general staff welfare have remained unresolved for a long period.
Some staff members reportedly expressed frustration over what they described as unequal treatment compared to workers in similar state institutions, arguing that employees of the Authority continue to work under pressure without adequate motivation or improved benefits.
The strike is already causing inconvenience for members of the public who had scheduled appointments for Ghana Card registration and related services at various district offices nationwide. Several applicants who arrived at registration centres on the first day of the strike were left stranded after offices remained inactive.
The Ghana Card has become one of the country’s most important identification documents, serving as a requirement for banking transactions, SIM card registration, passport acquisition, healthcare access, and other public services. As a result, any prolonged disruption in NIA operations could have significant effects on citizens and institutions that rely heavily on the system.
Union leaders say the strike will continue until government and management engage them with clear commitments aimed at improving their conditions of service. They insist the action is not intended to frustrate the public but rather to draw urgent attention to the challenges facing workers within the Authority.
Meanwhile, many Ghanaians are calling on government to intervene swiftly to prevent further disruption, especially as demand for Ghana Card services continues to rise across the country.
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