The National Identification Authority (NIA) is set to embark on the mass registration of Ghana Cards for individuals in detention across the country.

This initiative aims to ensure that such individuals are captured in the State’s Database System, despite their confinement for various reasons.

Enoch Ben Sackey, the Western Regional Chief Servant of the NIA, stated in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Takoradi that it was crucial for every Ghanaian to be included in the national database, which is why the Authority is conducting this registration of individuals confined in various facilities across the country.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the Authority last year, including registering individuals aged 15 and above, conducting new registrations for individuals as young as six years, issuing cards to individuals who could not collect their cards during the mass registration, and replacing lost or damaged cards, among other activities.

Sackey acknowledged the challenges faced, such as network fluctuations, technical issues, financial constraints, and staff shortages. However, he emphasized that the management of the Authority implemented measures to address these problems, making the year under review a success despite the economic crisis.

He also mentioned that provisions are in place for the registration of Ghanaians in the diaspora to ensure that every Ghanaian, both at home and abroad, is included in the database.

Sackey explained that all services provided by the Authority are in line with the law and have been approved by Parliament. As a result, certain services are offered at fees that have also been approved by Parliament.

He further clarified that fees vary between district offices and premium centers depending on the service chosen. For example, first-time registrants are not charged any fees at district offices, as stipulated by law. However, at premium centers, a fee of 310 cedis is charged for first-time registration, compared to the free service at district centers.

Additionally, services such as card replacements are subsidized at district offices with a fee of 125 cedis, while at premium centers, the same service costs 420 cedis. To update one’s details, the fee is 60 cedis at district offices and 335 cedis at premium centers, where there is no subsidy.

The Regional Chief Servant further explained that the NIA’s goal is to create a single, reliable source of information for the State. This is important because individuals may have different records across various institutions, but the Ghana Card provides the government with access to a unified and authentic database of people's details.

He encouraged all Ghanaians to get registered, as the Ghana Card has become the cornerstone of all activities in the country.