The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced the arrest of six staff members over alleged extortion during the free Ghana Card registration exercise for children at the Galaka registration centre in the Upper East Region, while seven other members of the registration team have had their appointments terminated.

The six staff members were arrested by the Bawku West District Police after parents of children seeking registration identified them as individuals who allegedly demanded money before registering their children.

In a press release dated October 29, 2026, the NIA said the suspects were assisting the police with investigations into the allegations.

The Authority also disclosed that an internal review had led to the termination of the appointments of seven other members of the registration team who were found to have been aware of the alleged misconduct but failed to report it.

The disciplinary measures follow allegations of extortion during the recently concluded free Ghana Card registration exercise for children aged six to 14.

Reaffirming its commitment to fair and professional service delivery, the NIA stressed that registration must be conducted in accordance with approved procedures and that no staff member is authorised to demand unauthorised payments from applicants or their parents.

The Authority warned that it takes allegations of misconduct seriously and would continue to take appropriate disciplinary action to protect the integrity of its registration processes.

It also urged members of the public to report suspected misconduct through its official channels.

The NIA's announcement comes amid concerns over alleged demands for money during an exercise intended to provide children with access to Ghana's national identification system free of charge.

While the six arrested staff members are assisting with investigations, the NIA's statement does not indicate whether they have been formally charged with any offence. The allegations against them have therefore not been established in court.

EA