By Nadia Ntiamoah
Staff of the National Identification Authority (NIA), under the umbrella of the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU), have declared an indefinite strike effective Tuesday, June 24, 2025, over the government’s failure to resume payment of their Operational Support Allowance.
This industrial action follows a final round of engagement between Union leaders and officials from the Ministry of Finance on June 23, which ended without any clear commitment or timeline for the resumption of the allowance payments.
According to the Union, the indefinite withdrawal of services is a last resort after months of waiting, repeated assurances, and unfulfilled promises.
The allowance in question was the result of a formal agreement reached in July 2024 after negotiations between the government, represented by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Ministry of Finance, and leadership of the PSWU.
Under the agreement, payments began in August 2024 and were sustained until December of the same year.
Since January 2025, however, the payments have ceased without explanation.
In their statement, signed by Divisional Chairman Francis Bangfudeme Nyuzaghl and Divisional Secretary Adu Kyeremeh Kwabena, the Union lamented the lack of urgency in resolving the matter despite repeated follow-ups and good faith engagement on their part.
“Despite numerous attempts at dialogue and a public assurance by NIA Management during a June 18 press briefing that payments would be made ‘very, very soon,’ no tangible plan has been presented,” the statement read.
The strike is expected to have far-reaching effects, as NIA staff stationed at the Head Office, Regional and District Offices, as well as Premium Centres nationwide, have all been directed to withdraw their services.
This could significantly affect national identification operations including issuance and registration of Ghana Cards—a key national exercise with implications for elections, financial services, and SIM card re-registration.
Union leaders stressed that the action is not meant to disrupt national activities but rather to compel authorities to honour a binding agreement that workers have relied on to supplement what they describe as “meagre basic pay.”
They cited the growing financial and emotional burden on staff, many of whom are struggling to cope without the allowance that was previously disbursed monthly.
While acknowledging efforts by some stakeholders to mediate, the PSWU insists the strike will continue until there is full compliance with the July 2024 agreement.
“This industrial action is not taken lightly. It reflects the deep frustration of staff who have endured this situation for far too long amidst persistent neglect,” the statement noted.
The leadership urged all members to remain calm, united, and peaceful throughout the period of the strike while reaffirming the Union’s openness to further dialogue—provided it results in prompt action.
The Ministry of Finance has yet to issue a formal response, but pressure is mounting as the strike begins to affect the delivery of key public services.
