NIA Shutdown Fears …As workers declare indefinite Nationwide Strike

Operations at the National Identification Authority (NIA) are set to grind to a halt this week as workers under the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) have declared an indefinite nationwide strike effective Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

The industrial action stems from what union leaders describe as “prolonged delays” in improving working conditions and finalizing the migration of staff to appropriate salary scales, a process that has languished despite the approval of a new Scheme of Service nearly two years ago.

In a joint statement issued by Divisional Chairman Francis Bangfudem Nyuzaghl and Assistant Divisional Secretary Godsway Ayivor Bismark, the union highlighted that while migration exercises officially began in December 2024, many employees remain in limbo.

The Union said the delays have reportedly resulted in improper Job Placement, as staff members are not currently ranked under the 2024 Scheme of Service.

The union has also announced a series of protest actions leading up to the strike. Members have been directed to report to work on Monday, May 11, and Tuesday, May 12, dressed in red clothing or wearing red armbands to signal solidarity and readiness for the industrial action.

However, from Wednesday, May 13, workers are expected to stay away from their offices indefinitely.

“You will rise from your beds and return to them until further notice and until our just demands are met,” the statement declared.

The union stressed that the strike would continue until the government and management address their concerns, warning regional officers to strictly enforce compliance across the country.

“All Regional Officers are hereby instructed to enforce compliance and oversee the implementation of this directive across their respective jurisdictions, without hesitation, without exception”, the statement added.

The strike is expected to disrupt several essential NIA services nationwide, including Ghana Card registration, card replacement and renewal, as well as correction and updating of personal records.

Meanwhile, management of the NIA has appealed to the union to suspend the strike for at least two weeks to allow the government to finalize approval and implementation processes related to the staff migration exercise.

Despite the appeal, the union appears determined to proceed with the action, raising fears of long delays and inconvenience for thousands of citizens seeking identification services unless a last-minute agreement is reached.