The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced the arrest of six staff members and the termination of seven others over alleged extortion during the recently concluded Free Ghana Card registration exercise for children aged six to 14 at the Galaka registration centre in the Upper East Region.
In a press release dated October 29, 2026, the NIA said the six staff members were identified by parents of applicants as having demanded money before registering their children.
The suspects have been arrested by the Bawku West District Police and are assisting with investigations.
The Authority also said it had terminated the appointments of seven other members of the registration team following an internal review that found they were aware of the alleged misconduct but failed to report it.
The disciplinary measures follow reports of alleged extortion during the registration exercise, which was intended to provide eligible children with Ghana Cards free of charge.
The NIA reiterated that all registration activities must comply with approved procedures, stressing that staff members are not authorised to demand unauthorised payments from applicants or their parents.
It added that allegations of misconduct would be treated seriously, with appropriate disciplinary action taken to protect the integrity of its registration processes and ensure that the public receives services fairly and professionally.
The Authority has also encouraged members of the public to report suspected misconduct through its official channels.
Below is a copy of the statement:
