The National Identification Authority (NIA) has arrested six staff members and terminated the appointments of seven others over alleged extortion during the recently concluded Free Ghana Card registration exercise for children aged 6 to 14 at Galaka in the Upper East Region.
In a press release issued on October 29, 2026, and signed by the Head of Corporate Affairs, Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, the Authority said the six staff members were identified by parents of applicants as having demanded money before registering their children.
According to the NIA, the six have been arrested by the Bawku West District Police and are currently assisting with investigations.
Following an extensive internal review, the Authority also terminated 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 Authority reiterates that registration must be conducted in accordance with approved procedures. No staff member is authorised to demand unauthorised payments from applicants or their parents," the statement said.
The NIA emphasized that it takes allegations of misconduct seriously and will continue to take appropriate disciplinary action to protect the integrity of its registration processes and ensure that the public receives services fairly and professionally.
The Authority has encouraged members of the public to report suspected misconduct through its official channels.
