Workers at the National Identification Authority (NIA) are expected to resume work today, Friday, May 15, following the intervention of the National Labour Commission (NLC).

Staff of the NIA began an indefinite industrial action, citing delays in implementing a migration report that affects salaries, promotions, and job placements. Staff of the NIA began an indefinite industrial action on Tuesday, May 13, citing delays in implementing a migration report that affects salaries, promotions, and job placements.

In response to their demands, the National Labour Commission has urged for calm while directing the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to ensure the approval and implementation of the migration report within the next two weeks.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, May 14, the General Secretary of the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU), Bernard Adjei, stated that the directive by the NLC had been taken in good faith.

“As a responsible union, we have taken the directive in good faith; we think it is fair. We believe that with this directive, all parties will honour their side of the obligations so that we can bring the matter to a close. The NLC’s directive stands. We will do whatever we have to do to ensure that NIA staff return to the office [Friday, May 15],” he added.

According to the union in a formal notice addressed to the workers and issued by the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), on Wednesday, May 13, 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.

The union attributed the strike action to nearly two years of stalled processes, despite earlier approvals and assurances from the relevant authorities.

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.

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.