Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak announced that over 200,000 eligible children aged six to 14 in the Volta Region have not yet been registered in the ongoing National Identification Authority (NIA) mass registration exercise. The minister made this disclosure during a meeting with chiefs of the Asogli State in Ho.
The revelation comes as the initial three-week registration period concluded, falling significantly short of the NIA’s target. The Authority had projected to register over 300,000 children in the region.
Registration Shortfall Highlights Challenges
Despite what the minister described as encouraging results, the numbers indicate a substantial gap. “After the three-week registration exercise, we have been able to register a little over 108,000 children. This means that more than 200,000 eligible children are yet to be captured,” stated Mr. Mohammed-Mubarak.
This shortfall presents a challenge to the government’s goal of achieving comprehensive national identification for all citizens.
Government Pledges Intensified Efforts
The government remains committed to ensuring every child within the target age group is included in the national identification database. To address the deficit, the minister confirmed plans for a subsequent mop-up exercise.
“We will return to undertake a mop-up exercise, but that alone will not be enough. We will draw up another timetable and come back, possibly for another three weeks, to ensure that we cover almost every eligible child,” he assured.
Importance of Early Registration
Mr. Mohammed-Mubarak emphasized the critical role of registering children onto the national database. This process is deemed essential for effective national planning, improved service delivery, and robust identity management.
Enrolling children at an early age is expected to streamline their access to public services. It will also ensure accurate records are available when they pursue future opportunities such as employment or admission into security services.
Broader National Identification Goals
This initiative is part of a larger government strategy to build a comprehensive and reliable national identification system. The NIA launched the mass registration exercise for children aged six to 14 in the Volta and Oti regions in May as part of a nationwide rollout.
The overall aim is to expand the country’s national identification database, providing a foundational tool for governance and development.
Looking Ahead: Mop-up and Future Registration Drives
The upcoming mop-up exercise in the Volta Region will be crucial in closing the registration gap. The success of this follow-up will determine the immediate impact on the national identification database. Observers will be watching to see if the extended registration period can reach the remaining 200,000-plus children. The government’s commitment to future registration drives will also be key in ensuring long-term coverage and the realization of a truly comprehensive national ID system.
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