The National Identification Authority (NIA) has appealed to its staff to withdraw a planned strike action, assuring workers that a breakthrough regarding their conditions of service could be achieved within the next two weeks.
The appeal follows a decision by the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Monday, May 13, 2026, over delays in the implementation of improved salary structures for staff.
The union has cited prolonged administrative delays in the migration process despite the approval of the Scheme of Service in July 2024.
Speaking on Citi FM on Friday, May 8, Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, Head of Corporate Affairs at the NIA, explained that the process had faced several bureaucratic hurdles before reaching the final stage for approval.
According to him, the necessary documents have now moved from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to the Ministry of Finance for final consideration.
Mr Darlas stated that the migration exercise technically began in December 2024 but encountered delays during various stages of administrative review.
“We actually met this document at the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. We will work together with the union to ensure that we finalise the document. Now it has been moved from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to the Finance Ministry. At the Finance Ministry, we were made to understand that there are levels of engagement before it gets to the Minister’s table,” he explained.
He further disclosed that the document has now reached the Finance Minister’s desk and that management has received assurances that approval will be granted within two weeks.
“Now it has moved from where it was to the Minister’s table and the Minister has given us the assurance that in two weeks, he will append his signature so that the Controller and Accountant-General can then commence implementation. We are urging our staff to give us two weeks,” Mr Darlas stated.
The PSWU’s strike notice, dated May 6, 2026, was addressed to both the National Labour Commission and the NIA Executive Secretariat.
Workers say their frustration stems from the prolonged gap between the approval of the policy framework and the actual implementation of the salary adjustments.
Should the industrial action proceed, it is expected to disrupt registration services and the issuance of Ghana Cards nationwide, potentially affecting thousands of citizens who rely on the identification system for financial, legal and administrative transactions.
Despite the growing tension, the NIA has assured staff that management remains committed to improving their welfare and is working closely with the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department to ensure immediate implementation once final approval is secured.
