GHANA CARD REGISTRATION STALLED BY NIA DUE TO DATA CARD SHORTAGE
A visit to most regional and district registration centres of the National Identification Authority, NIA has shown lapses in their operations as far as registering and printing of Ghana Cards are concerned. Many of these newly created offices were operating without enough materials to augment registration.
Ghana Card registration being handled by the National Identification Authority, NIA is believed to be the reason for the extension of the Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card re-registration exercise in Ghana.
In March 2022, the Ministry of Communication and Digitalization issued a directive that the SIM registration is extended to 31st July-, 2022 to the joy of many who felt left out due to their inability to register for the citizens’ card (Ghana Card).
From the look of things, it will be difficult to really implement the directive, as the NIA has still not shown signs of registering all Ghanaians to enable them to subscribe to the directives by the Ministry of Communication and digitalization.
A visit to most regional and district registration centres of the National Identification Authority, NIA has shown lapses in their operations as far as registering and printing of Ghana Cards are concerned. Many of these newly created offices were operating without enough materials to augment registration.
Though some districts were operating on a full scale, some districts like Asante Akyem, Ashaiman, Anlo, Akatsi South, Akatsi North, Dambai, Keta, Jomoro, Ellembelle and others suffered shortage materials for over two weeks leaving the officials loafing.
The centres were empty in the early hours of 10:00 in the morning to 5 pm when they close.
Applicants who are eager to get their card after registering have been left with no other choice than to stay at home because the purpose for the registration of the Ghana Card may not be achieved.
The situation calls for worry as many would forfeit ownership of their SIM card should the Ministry of communication and Digitalization implement the directive.
AJNewsonline.com speaking to some NIA officials, noted with grave concern that blank data cards are not available at the regional and national levels making them redundant.
According to regional officials who spoke to ajnewsonline.com on condition of anonymity, they are left in the dark as to when data cards would be available to enable them to print cards for applicants.
Meanwhile deadline for the SIM card registration is strictly being observed and would be implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Digitalization.
The numerous benefits listed by the Minister of Communication and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Akuful will likely be hampered causing financial loss to Ghana if measures are not taken to speed the registration and issuance of Ghana Card.
Source: AJNewsonline.com
