By Grace Zigah
A directive from the National Identification Authority (NIA) to adjust working hours nationwide has triggered criticism, after it emerged that staff will halt public services early to participate in Heritage Month activities, including a cooking competition.
According to an internal memo dated March 26, 2026, and signed by the Head of Human Resource, Jay Awuah-Peasah, all NIA offices across the country are to end registration services earlier than usual on Friday, March 27.
Staff at the Head Office are expected to close at 10:00 a.m., while regional and district offices will stop operations by 12:00 noon.
The memo explained that the adjustment is to allow staff to fully participate in planned Heritage Month activities, with normal services expected to resume on Monday, March 30, 2026.
However, the decision has sparked backlash among sections of the public, who argue that halting essential services—particularly those related to national identification—undermines the needs of citizens who rely on the NIA for critical documentation.
Critics say the move reflects misplaced priorities, questioning why a public-facing institution would suspend services during working hours for non-essential activities.
The concern is especially heightened given the importance of Ghana Card registration for access to banking, telecommunications, healthcare, and other government services.
Others have described the development as part of a broader governance issue, where public service delivery is sometimes disrupted without adequate consideration for citizens.
While the NIA has not publicly addressed the criticism, the development has reignited debate about efficiency, accountability, and service prioritisation within public institutions.
