Following a seven‑day strike notice issued by the Workers of the National Identification Authority (NIA) on Wednesday, May 6, the association have begun its indefinite industrial action today, Tuesday, May 13 citing a delay in the implementation of a migration report affecting staff salaries, promotions and job placements.

The strike action was contained in a formal notice addressed to the workers and issued by the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), which attributed the union to a nearly two-year period of stalled processes despite earlier approvals.

The notice ordered workers to stay away from work until their demands are met.

“On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, no member shall report to work. You will rise from your beds and return to them, until further notice, and until our just demands are met.”

“Let there be no misunderstanding: this strike will remain in force until our collective voice is heard and our conditions are addressed,” parts of the statement read.

According to the union, the delay in the implementation of the Scheme of Service for NIA staff was approved in July 2024, with the migration exercise, i.e., moving staff onto a new salary and placement structure, taking effect in December of the same year.

The “Scheme of Service” for NIA staff is a formal human resource policy document approved in July 2024 that defines how employees of the National Identification Authority (NIA) are recruited, classified, promoted, remunerated, and developed. It is essentially the framework that aligns staff salaries, job placements, promotions, and career progression with their qualifications, experience, and responsibilities.

However, 22 months on, there has been no sign of an imminent implementation, leaving workers on improper salary scales and without expected promotions.

PSWU General Secretary Bernard Adjei, in an earlier notice addressed to the National Labour Commission (NLC) and NIA management, described the delay as unfair and frustrating for affected staff.

He explained that although management of the Authority has engaged stakeholders and provided assurances over time, those discussions have not translated into action.

“We have consistently engaged management and all relevant stakeholders to resolve this matter, but the necessary approvals for implementation have not been granted,” the union noted.

Mr Adjei further warned that the continued delay risks disrupting industrial harmony within the Authority.

The union said the decision to embark on a strike followed extensive internal consultations, leaving leadership with no option but to proceed. It has therefore insisted that unless the migration report is implemented, the industrial action will continue without further notice.

Copies of the strike notice were sent to the Ministry of Finance, the National Security Coordinator, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and PSWU-NIA divisional leadership.

The strike is expected to significantly affect the operations of the NIA, which is responsible for issuing the Ghana Card and managing the national identity database.