Govt to Introduce new identification system

Ghana will introduce a new National Identification System (NIS) for residents by July 1, 2004, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Finance Minister Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo announced on Friday.

Receiving three technical reports from a panel of local experts and foreign consultants on behalf of Government, Mr Osafo-Maafo said the unique identity card would provide a good database for use in the 2004 elections.

The first phase of the project would cover both citizens and non-citizens between the ages of 16 and above while the two other phases will be for those between ages six and 14 and Zero-Six years.

The project, which is yet to be awarded on tender, would capture, maintain and update personal details of all citizens of Ghana and other legally resident foreigners on a national register or central database. Mr Osafo-Maafo said the NIS would be a useful tool in mobilizing national resources, especially in generating revenue since one of the banes of the current tax system was its inability to capture a lot more people.

"It will also provide a transparent environment for banking and assist the financial institutions to build credible credit systems that could enhance transparency and reduce fraud," he said. Other benefits of the identification system include efficient administration of the National Health Insurance Scheme, improved administration of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and maintenance of proper records held by Births and Death Registry.

Mr Osafo-Maafo pledged government commitment to the implementation of the projects since it would speed up the development process of the country. "I therefore urge all Ghanaians who would be entrusted with the implementation process to be devoted to their task to ensure that it was done on schedule.

Mr Kojo Mpianim, Chief of Staff said the NIS would streamline the election process and prepare the ground for free and fair elections to enhance the democratic process.

He asked those who would be assigned responsibilities to keep to the timetable of executing the project before the next elections. Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Economic Planning and Regional Co-operation commended the technical panel for a job well done.

He said the cost for the project was yet to be determined, as it would span a period of between three and four years. Mr Bernard Dujardin, Head, Civi Por Conseil, the consultants said the project was a sound and feasible one that would speed up the economic development of the country since population was an important determinant in planning for programmes. Professor Ernest Dumor, Head of the Technical Committee presented the report to Mr Osafo-Maafo.