NIA Receives 700,000 Blank Cards to Clear Ghana Card Backlog

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced a significant breakthrough in its efforts to provide National Identification Cards to Ghanaians. On Monday, February 17th, 2025, the NIA informed the public that it has received a shipment of seven hundred thousand (700,000) blank cards from its technical partners. This delivery is the result of weeks of negotiations spearheaded by the Ag. Executive Secretary, aimed at addressing a substantial backlog of pending applications.

These blank cards will be used to print National ID cards for individuals awaiting their first issuance, replacements for lost or damaged cards, and updates to personal information on existing cards. This backlog has been accumulating since 2023, hindering the NIA’s ability to fulfill its mandate and causing frustration for citizens requiring their National ID cards.

In accordance with the government’s objective of ensuring that all Ghanaians aged 15 and above possess National ID cards for identification and verification purposes, the Ag. Executive Secretary has taken further steps to expedite the process. A dedicated technical team has been assembled with the specific task of accelerating the printing of the backlog of card requests. This team will also oversee the distribution of the printed cards to the various NIA district offices throughout the country, ensuring that the cards are readily available for issuance to applicants.

Yayra Koku, the NIA boss, expressed his gratitude to the NIA management and staff for their unwavering support throughout this challenging period. His acknowledgment highlights the collaborative effort within the NIA to overcome the obstacles and improve service delivery to the public. The arrival of the blank cards and the establishment of the technical team signify a renewed commitment from the NIA to clear the existing backlog and provide Ghanaians with timely access to their National Identification Cards. The development is crucial for enabling citizens to fully participate in various social, economic, and political activities that require proof of identification.