NIA Expands Children's Registration to Northern Region
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has launched Ghana Card registration for children aged between six and 14 years in the Northern Region. The exercise began on Thursday, June 11, marking the latest phase of a nationwide initiative to expand digital identity coverage to all eligible Ghanaian children.
The registration drive represents a collaboration between the NIA and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). Officials are conducting the exercise following successful completion of similar programs in the Volta and Oti Regions.
School-Based Registration Strategy
Registration teams are moving from school to school throughout the region to maximize participation rates. The Authority confirmed that both public and private educational institutions will receive visits from registration officials.
"As with the previous phase, registration teams will move from school to school, both public and private, to ensure extensive coverage," the Authority announced in its official statement.
Children not enrolled in formal education can register at designated community centers or schools within their local areas. The initiative aims to capture every eligible child regardless of their educational status.
Required Documentation and Process
Parents and guardians must present specific documents when bringing children for registration. The NIA requires original birth certificates, valid Ghanaian passports, or certificates of acquired citizenship as primary identification.
Alternative arrangements exist for children lacking these documents. The Authority permits parents, relatives, or legal guardians to complete an Oath of Identity form to facilitate registration when primary documents are unavailable.
"For children without known relatives, two Social Welfare Officers may vouch for the child under oath," the NIA explained in its guidance.
The Authority encourages parents to bring National Health Insurance Scheme cards or NHIS numbers where available. These documents support the registration process through the collaboration with NHIA.
Eligibility and Compliance Requirements
Individuals presenting children for registration must meet strict criteria established by the Authority. They must be Ghanaian citizens, at least 18 years old, of sound mind, and possess valid Ghana Cards.
The NIA issued strong warnings against fraudulent activities during the registration process. The Authority emphasized that providing false information or attempting to register non-Ghanaian children constitutes a criminal offense under Ghanaian law.
"The Authority further reminds the public that providing false information or facilitating the registration of a non-Ghanaian constitutes an offence and is punishable under the law," officials warned.
Building Comprehensive Digital Identity System
The Northern Region exercise forms part of broader efforts to establish a complete national identity database. The NIA continues mop-up operations in previously covered regions while expanding to new areas.
Traditional leaders, school authorities, and community stakeholders have been called upon to support the registration drive. The Authority seeks active participation from all community levels to achieve comprehensive coverage.
"The NIA remains committed to building a secure, inclusive, and reliable national identity system that ensures every eligible Ghanaian is recognised, protected, and counted," the Authority stated.
This initiative represents a significant step toward digitizing Ghana's identity infrastructure, ensuring children gain early integration into the national identification system that will serve them throughout their lives.