The governing board and management of the National Identification Authority (NIA) reacted to the decision by the NIA Division of the Public Services Workers' Union (PSWU) of TUC (Ghana) to embark on an indefinite strike action effective Tuesday, June 24.

The management and board have called on the union to resume work as they work to secure the necessary commitment from the Ministry of Finance.

The union embarked on an indefinite strike over non-payment of operational support allowance.

According to the union, the Ministry of Finance has failed to provide a definitive commitment or timeline regarding the payment of the operational support allowance, the only allowance NIA staff get to supplement their meagre basic pay.

This allowance was the outcome of extensive negotiations concluded in July 2024 between the government's team comprising the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Ministry of Finance, and representatives of the Union.

In a statement dated June 24, NIA Management and Board noted that it held a strategic meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), Dr. George Smith-Graham, and his team, over the matter.

At the end of the meeting, the parties present concluded that the Ministry of Finance must provide a definitive timeline and written commitment to the resumption of the Operational Support Allowance payments.

"This commitment is critical to ensure the continuity of NIA operations and avoid the potential loss of revenue and disruption to essential national services, especially ID verification across sectors that rely heavily on the Ghana Card," the statement added.

Also, a tripartite meeting between management, FWSC, and the union will be convened once the commitment letter is obtained from the Ministry of Finance.

According to the statement, "this meeting will provide clarity on next steps and serve as a platform for transparent dialogue."

The management of the NIA, led by the Executive Secretary, Mr. Wisdom Kwaku Deku, says it fully supports the staff in their legitimate demands and remains committed to ensuring that all entitlements due to staff are paid in accordance with the negotiated agreements.

The union had a final round of engagement with the Ministry of Finance on June 23 after receiving assurances from NIA Management, who communicated that tireless efforts were being made to resolve the matter and resume payments.

According to the union, "despite this and many assurances, as of today, especially after a crunch meeting at the Finance Ministry, no concrete steps or timelines have been provided to address the matter."

"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," it added.

Despite acknowledging the efforts of stakeholders, the union stated that "the absence of concrete action from the Ministry of Finance has left our members spread across the Head Office, Regional Offices, Premium Centres, and District Offices-under severe financial and emotional strain."

"Consequently, all PSWU members at the NIA are directed to withdraw their services indefinitely, starting Tuesday, June 24, 2025, until our legitimate concerns are addressed and outstanding payments resumed," the statement consequently added.

The union has urged its members to remain united, peaceful, and law-abiding throughout this period.

The Union, nonetheless, noted that it is open to constructive dialogue, provided such discussions lead to prompt and full payment of the Operational Support Allowance as negotiated, agreed and signed.