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The National Identification Authority (NIA) has assured the public that its current focus on premium registration does not mean mass registration has been scrapped.
It explained that the Authority was pursuing a phased approach that prioritised the issuance of already printed cards before resuming continuous mass registration across the country.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Head of Corporate Affairs Directorate, Williams Ampomah E. Darlas, recalled that a mass registration exercise targeting children was rolled out in 2024, during which the NIA set a target of three million children but was able to capture about 377,036 in 169 districts and municipalities before halting due to technical and financial constraints.
“We had challenges, but the new management has since cleared the backlog. We are now working to ensure that children who were registered in schools receive their cards before the continuous exercise fully resumes,” he said.
On the question of why the current registration is beginning at Premium Centres, Mr Darlas stressed that the move was part of a phased approach.
He said once cards for those previously registered are issued, scheduled to begin on September 22, the Authority would extend the registration services to all district offices nationwide to ensure accessibility.
Mr Darlas explained that the exercise was in line with the Authority’s legal mandate and follows earlier mass registration conducted in schools.
He, however, emphasised that premium registration remained voluntary, and parents who cannot immediately access it can rely on upcoming continuous registration at district levels.
The registration at Premium Centres attracts a fee of GH¢310, the same amount charged for adults.
Mr Darlas explained that there was no differentiation between children and adults when it comes to premium services.
“If you are an adult, you pay GH¢310, and if you are a child, you pay the same amount.
The requirements are also similar.
A parent or guardian must present either the child’s birth certificate, passport, or vouch for them if already a Ghana Card holder,” he said.
He added that the Authority has strengthened its guarantor system to curb abuse, discouraging situations where individuals vouch for hundreds of applicants in exchange for money.
Mr Darlas also explained that for children already registered in schools, parents would be required to accompany them during card issuance to ensure proper safekeeping.
“You agree with me that if you issue a card to a six-year-old in school, there is no guarantee they can keep it safe. But with their parents, they will be able to, as it were, take their card for safekeeping,” he said.
Meanwhile, the NIA has announced that beginning Monday, September 15, 2025, the online booking system for appointments will be expanded to four regions (Northern, Eastern, Volta, and Ashanti) Premium Centres nationwide.
This is meant to enhance convenience and streamline the registration process.
Mr Darlas assured parents and guardians that the NIA remained committed to ensuring that every Ghanaian child has a secure and verifiable identity
