The ARB Apex Bank Limited, which serves as a “mini” central bank for Rural & Community Banks (RCBs) says it is working with the relevant authorities to ensure that the National Identification Card is accepted at Rural Banks across the country as a valid form of identification.

For some time now universal banks in the country have been engaging the National Identification Authority and the Bank of Ghana, for the National ID card to be used as a primary source of identification for conducting banking transactions

In an interview with Citi Business News, the Acting Managing Director of ARB Apex Bank, Alex Kwasi Awuah, noted that rural banks across the country are ready to support the use of the Ghana Card as a primary source of identification for financial transactions.

“I can say that work is being done. We are in discussions with the relevant institutions that are introducing the card. I believe that in the nick of time, we will all come to a conclusion on the way forward.”

“But it is important to note that we cannot escape the national identification system because that is the way to go. Today in all institutions, especially government institutions, the National ID is what is going to be recognized, and we are also part of the process. We are in discussions with the relevant institutions so we can use it,” he added.

‘No Ghana card, no salary’ directive to government workers suspended

The Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) has rescinded its decision not to pay public sector workers if they do not have a Ghana card.

Government workers risked forfeiting their December 2021 salaries per an initial directive from the CAGD.

The move was said to be part of the government of Ghana’s efforts to deliver a speedy, secured, and verified payroll service to government employees and pensioners while reducing the risk of undeserving payments or claims.

But the government through consultations with the Ministries of Employment and Labour Relations, Finance, and the Account General have backtracked over concerns raised by labour unions.

In a communiqué issued after a joint meeting on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, the two Ministries have asked the CAGD to “port the names of public sector workers in their existing databases onto the NIA platform and thereafter inform the various institutions of any unregistered staff that may exist.”

With this latest intervention, the December ultimatum given to workers on the government payroll to acquire Ghana cards before receiving their pay is no longer going to take effect.

However, state institutions have been advised to encourage their staff members to register with the National Identification Authority (NIA) to secure the Ghana card as soon as possible.