Seven Fired As Six Arrested By NIA Authorities Over Extortion Claims

According to a report by GHOne TV on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the National Identification Authority (NIA) under the leadership of Wisdom Kwaku Deku has arrested six staff members and dismissed seven others over allegations of extortion during the free Ghana Card registration exercise for children in the Upper East Region.

The development follows concerns that some officials charged unauthorised fees to parents and guardians seeking to register their children for the national identity card, which is meant to be issued at no cost under the exercise. Such alleged conduct has raised questions about accountability and the integrity of public service delivery.

The decisive action by the NIA signals the authority’s attempt to enforce discipline and protect the public from exploitation. By arresting some of the affected staff and terminating the appointments of others, the institution has demonstrated that it is treating the allegations with seriousness. Details about the specific amounts allegedly collected, the exact locations of the incidents, and the identities of those involved have not yet been made public. It is also unclear what legal steps the arrested officials will face as investigations continue.

The free registration drive is aimed at ensuring that every child in the country is captured in the national identification system, a key part of efforts to build a reliable database for services ranging from education to healthcare. Any suggestion that citizens are being made to pay for a free service therefore threatens public confidence in the process.

Public reaction to the news has been largely supportive. Many Ghanaians have commended the NIA for acting swiftly, describing the move as a positive step that shows the system is working. Others have welcomed the decision as a clear message that corrupt practices will not be tolerated.

However, some citizens expressed broader concerns about corruption in public institutions, while a few noted that charges for registration in other parts of the country, such as Tamale, have reportedly been much higher. These views reflect a public eager for stronger oversight and consistent enforcement across all regions.

As investigations continue, many are calling for transparency and for the NIA to ensure the exercise remains free and accessible to all.

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