Prof Kenneth Agyemang Aattefuah addressing journalists in Tamale
The National Identification Authority(NIA) is commencing registration for the Ghana Card in the Savannah, North East and Northern Regions from today Friday, October 4, 2019 and end on Wednesday October 23, 2019.
There are 750 registration centres in all the three regions, with 175 centres in the Savannah Region.
North East has 175 with Northern region having 400 centres.
The registration is open to only Ghanaians aged 15 years and above and resident in the aforementioned regions.
The National Identification Authority indicated that the registration is free.
Citizens are expected to go to the centres with birth certificate, valid Ghana passport, valid certificate of acquired citizenship and a Ghana Post Digital Address Code.
The NIA hinted that a relative issued with a Ghana Card can vouch for someone to register under oath, or two members of the community who have been issued with a Ghana Card for those who don’t have the required documents.
The NIA, has registered a total of 2,902,035 eligible Ghanaians, printed 2,590,526 cards and has issued cards to 1,718,021 qualified Ghanaians across the country.
Addressing journalists in Tamale, NIA Chief Executive, Prof. Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah, said any foreigner who attempts to register for the Ghana Card violates the laws of Ghana and will, upon arrest, be dealt with in accordance with law.
He indicated that a separate arrangement exists for eligible foreigners to register under the Foreigners Identity Management System (FIMS) Project and to be issued with the Non-Citizen Identity Card.
“As we speak there is a mass registration exercise for foreigners on-going at the Accra International Conference Centre,” he said.
He added that “it started on the 9th September 2019 and will end on 31st October 2019. Foreigners who have lived in Ghana for a cumulative period of 90 days or more are required to register for the card which comes at a fee of $120 for fresh applications and $60 for renewals.”
He advised citizens in the three regions of the north not to pay or give money to any of NIA officials before, during or after the registration process, adding that it will be considered as a bribe.
FROM Eric Kombat, Tamale