The National Identification Authority (NIA) is seeking to be placed permanently under the Ministry of the Interior through a proposed amendment to its founding legislation, the NIA Act, 2006 (Act 707).
According to a report by 3News on August 24, the NIA’s Executive Director, Wisdom Kwaku Deku, indicated that the amendment is intended to formally integrate the Authority into Ghana’s security framework.
If passed by Parliament, the new law would provide security agencies with direct, albeit clearly defined, access to the NIA database and align the Authority’s operations more closely with national security objectives.
“National identity is a national security issue,” Deku said.
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He explained that the current Act does not assign the NIA to a specific ministry, which has led to frequent reshuffling between different ministries over the years, including Public Services, Communications, and Monitoring and Evaluation.
This constant movement, he noted, has created instability and hindered the Authority’s ability to form lasting partnerships.
Enhancing National Security and Law Enforcement
Deku emphasised that placing the NIA permanently under the Ministry of the Interior will improve coordination and allow the Authority to more effectively carry out its mandate.
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He stressed that it has become a key benefit for law enforcement: “With defined access to the NIA database, police officers will be able to track suspects more easily through their identification card records. This is a major boost for crime-fighting efforts.”
He added that the proposed changes are not merely administrative but are crucial for ensuring the NIA becomes a reliable partner in safeguarding national security.
VPO/EB
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