Nyinahin (Ash), June 1, GNA - Dr William Ahadzie, Executive Secretary of the National Identification Authority (NIA) has dismissed rumours that the nationwide mass registrati on exercise was meant for General Election.

He said the goal was to provide a single source of credible population-related data for national development.

Dr Ahadzie was speaking to newsmen after visiting some registration centres in the Atwima-Nwabiagya and Atwima-Mponua districts in the Ashanti Region. Accompanied by Ms Bertha Dzeble, Head of Public Affairs of the Authority, Dr Ahadzie said he was on the ground to assess the exercise at first hand to determine the possibility of extending the period in the two districts.

He gave the assurance that there was a window of opportunity for all those who could not register by the end of the deadline since district offices would be established throughout the country to take care of them.

He said the Authority has already begun the process with the opening of a regional office for the

region in Kumasi. Dr Ahadzie said the issuing of ID Cards would start as soon as the NIA reached the minimum threshold of enrolment. Responding to an appeal by Atwima-Mponua District Chief Executive, Mada m Theresa Adomako

Tawiah for extension of the registration period in the area, he said it could only be granted in view of the reports the authority received from the registration officials. The authority incurs additional cost of GH¢50,000.00 a day for su ch extension.