Employees of the National Identification Authority (NIA) have announced an indefinite strike, starting Tuesday, June 24, 2025, over what they describe as persistent neglect by the Ministry of Finance regarding the payment of their Operational Support Allowance.
The decision, which was unanimously agreed upon by the Divisional Executive Council of the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) – NIA, follows months of failed engagements with the Ministry. According to the union, the allowance in question is the only financial relief that cushions NIA workers, whose basic salaries remain extremely low.
In a formal notice to members, the union described the strike as a “difficult but necessary decision” that has become “inevitable due to the Ministry of Finance’s failure to provide a definitive commitment or timeline regarding the payment” of the allowance.
The allowance, which was the outcome of rigorous negotiations concluded in July 2024 between the government and union representatives, was paid consistently from August to December 2024. However, since January 2025, payments have come to a complete halt.
Throughout the period, the union says NIA staff have shown great patience, largely because management kept assuring them the issue would soon be resolved. Even as recently as June 18, 2025, NIA management publicly promised during a press briefing that the outstanding allowances would be paid “very, very soon.”
However, after a critical meeting at the Finance Ministry on June 23, the union says it became clear that “no concrete steps or timelines have been provided to address the matter.”
“We have engaged, followed up, and demonstrated our willingness to cooperate in good faith,” the union noted. “Regrettably, these efforts have not been met with the urgency and seriousness this issue demands.”
The union further stressed that the indefinite withdrawal of services is not being taken lightly. “It reflects the deep frustration of staff who have endured this situation for far too long amidst persistent neglect.”
This industrial action is expected to have a major impact on the NIA’s operations nationwide, with services likely to grind to a halt at the Head Office, Regional Offices, Premium Centres, and District Offices across Ghana.
While acknowledging efforts by some stakeholders to broker a resolution, the union insists that without immediate action from the Ministry of Finance, their members will not return to work.
