Staff of the National Identification Authority (NIA) across Ghana have declared an indefinite nationwide strike, effective Tuesday, June 24, 2025, following the government’s failure to resume payments of their Operational Support Allowance.
The strike, announced by the Divisional Executive Council of the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) representing NIA staff, comes after what the Union describes as a “difficult but necessary” decision made in the face of continued inaction by the Ministry of Finance.
According to the PSWU, the allowance in question was agreed upon after extensive negotiations in July 2024 between government representatives—including the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Ministry of Finance—and union executives. Payments were successfully initiated from August to December 2024. However, since January 2025, the allowance has not been paid.
Despite multiple engagements, appeals, and assurances from NIA Management—who have repeatedly indicated that efforts were ongoing to resolve the matter—no concrete steps or timeline for payment have been provided. The final straw, according to the Union, came after a critical meeting with the Ministry of Finance on June 23, 2025, failed to yield any commitment.
“Repeated follow-ups, constructive engagement, and our demonstrated willingness to cooperate in good faith have regrettably not been met with the urgency and seriousness this issue demands,” the Union said in a statement released on the morning of June 24.
The Operational Support Allowance is the only supplementary income NIA staff receive aside from their basic salaries, which the Union describes as “meagre.” The delay in payment has left many employees financially strained, especially those working in district and regional offices under challenging conditions.
The PSWU emphasized that the strike is not a rash move but the result of months of patience and unfulfilled promises. They acknowledged the role of stakeholders who have tried to mediate the matter, but also expressed disappointment over the lack of tangible progress.
The statement directed all PSWU members at the NIA—across Head Office, Regional Offices, Premium Centres, and District Offices—to completely withdraw their services until the full payment of the agreed allowance is made.
“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 read.
The Union has urged all its members to remain peaceful, united, and law-abiding during the strike period and reiterated that it remains open to dialogue—provided the government shows seriousness in resolving the impasse.
This strike could significantly impact national identification services, including the issuance of Ghana Cards, identity verification services, and other related operations that are crucial to public and private sector transactions.
The government is yet to officially respond to the development as the strike takes effect.
