The National Identification Authority (NIA) is appealing to its striking staff to return to work in the national interest, as management works with key stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues over unpaid allowances.
The call comes in response to an indefinite strike declared by the NIA Division of the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) of TUC (Ghana), which began on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The strike stems from delayed payments of the Operational Support Allowance, the only allowance received by NIA staff to supplement their basic salaries.
In a press release issued the same day, NIA management acknowledged the concerns raised by the union and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring staff receive their entitlements. Management emphasised that the matter is being treated with urgency.
According to the statement, NIA leadership met earlier in the day with the Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), Dr. George Smith-Graham, and his team to explore a resolution. At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed that a definitive timeline and written commitment from the Ministry of Finance was essential to resume payment of the allowances.
“The Ministry of Finance must provide a definitive timeline and written commitment to the resumption of the Operational Support Allowance payments,” the statement read, noting that continued delays could severely disrupt critical national services, especially identity verification systems tied to the Ghana Card.
While acknowledging the legitimacy of the staff’s demands, NIA management urged members of the union to reconsider their decision and resume work in the interest of national service continuity.
“Management appeals to members of the PSWU-NIA Division to consider the national interest and resume work while efforts are expedited to secure the necessary commitment from the Ministry of Finance,” it added.
Management reiterated earlier assurances given at a June 18 press briefing that the allowances would be paid “very, very soon.”
A tripartite meeting involving the NIA, FWSC, and PSWU leadership will be convened once the Finance Ministry provides a formal commitment. This meeting is expected to map out next steps and provide clarity on timelines for payment.
The NIA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Wisdom Kwaku Deku, and the Governing Board also expressed their unwavering support for staff and their demands, pledging to uphold all negotiated agreements.
Meanwhile, Bernard Adjei, General Secretary of the PSWU, told Channel One News that workers felt forced into the strike due to the Ministry of Finance’s failure to provide clarity, despite confirmation from the FWSC that the 2025 compensation budget includes the allowances.
“The finance team told us it was not budgeted for, which is contrary to what we knew,” Adjei said. “Currently, NIA is on strike, so no one will attend to you if you go to the NIA.”
