The NIA officials at the media briefing
THE National Identification Authority (NIA) is set to commence Ghana Card registration in the Eastern Region from Wednesday, March 4 to Friday, March 27.
The registration centres will be open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm each day (excluding Sundays and public holidays) as has been done for other regions.
The NIA Boss, Prof. Ken A. Attafuah, addressing journalists, said the process would take place across 33 municipals and districts in the region.
According to him, the registration is open to only Ghanaians aged 15 and above.
He said applicants were required to present to the registration officials state identity documents such as drivers licence, voter ID card, National Health Insurance card, SSNIT biometric card, and Passport and Tax Identification Number (TIN).
He said the listed documents are not the mandatory documents which establish eligibility to register for the Ghana Card. “However, to ensure effective data harmonization and integration with other state institutions, the NIA will scan and keep electronic copies of these documents and return them to you,” he added.
He reiterated that presenting false documents and information for registration is an offence punishable by law, adding “falsely vouching for someone who is not a Ghanaian or a person you do not know is also an offence punishable by law.”
“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. 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 stated.
He warned Ghanaians, “Don’t pay or give money to any of our officials before, during or after the registration process. It will be considered as a bribe and that is criminal.”
He concluded that after the mass registration, the NIA would open its branches across the country for eligible applicants who could not take part in the mass exercise.
FROM Daniel Bampoe, Koforidua