The National Identification Authority (NIA), in partnership with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has recommenced the Ghana Card registration process for children aged six to fourteen in Ghana’s Volta and Oti Regions. The exercise, which began on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, is a crucial step in a larger national effort to register approximately 3.1 million children. This initiative aims to foster early inclusion and strengthen the nation’s identity infrastructure.
Nationwide Rollout Begins in Volta and Oti
The Volta and Oti Regions are serving as the initial launchpad for a phased national rollout of the child registration program. Each phase is designed to last a minimum of 21 days, ensuring comprehensive registration coverage across the targeted areas.
Registration teams from the NIA will be actively visiting both public and private educational institutions. The daily operating hours for this crucial exercise are set from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This school-based approach is intended to maximize accessibility for enrolled children.
For children who are not currently attending school, the NIA has established alternative registration points. These will be located at designated schools or community centers within their respective localities, ensuring no eligible child is left behind.
Documentation and Verification Requirements
To register a child, parents or legal guardians must present specific documentation. Accepted primary documents include the child’s original birth certificate, a valid Ghanaian passport, or a certificate of acquired citizenship. These documents serve as proof of identity and nationality.
In situations where the aforementioned documents are unavailable, an Oath of Identity can be completed. This oath must be sworn by a parent, a known relative, or a legal guardian. For children without any known relatives, the verification process involves two Social Welfare Officers who will attest to the child’s identity under oath.
The NIA is also encouraging parents and guardians to bring along the child’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card or number if they have already enrolled the child. This information can aid in cross-referencing and streamlining the registration process.
Individuals presenting children for registration must meet certain criteria themselves. They must be Ghanaian citizens, at least 18 years of age, of sound mind, and possess their own valid Ghana Card. This ensures the integrity of the registration data.
Pilot Phase Participants and Compliance
Children who participated in the 2024 pilot registration phase but have not yet received their physical Ghana Cards are advised to visit their initial NIA District Registration Office. This step is necessary to finalize the card issuance process.
The NIA has issued a stern warning against the provision of false information or facilitating the registration of non-Ghanaian individuals. Such actions are classified as criminal offenses, subject to legal prosecution and penalties.
Commitment to National Identity Infrastructure
The Authority reiterated its unwavering commitment to developing and maintaining a national identity system that is secure, inclusive, and reliable for all Ghanaian citizens. This ongoing registration drive is a cornerstone of that commitment.
The NIA urges parents, guardians, and Social Welfare Officers in the Volta and Oti Regions to actively participate in this essential exercise. By ensuring all eligible children are registered, Ghana strengthens its foundational identity infrastructure for future development and service delivery.
Looking Ahead
The successful completion of the registration in the Volta and Oti Regions will pave the way for subsequent phases across the entire country. Citizens should anticipate further announcements regarding registration schedules in other regions. The focus on child registration underscores a long-term strategy to embed national identity from the earliest stages of life, impacting everything from access to services to national security. Future efforts will likely involve integrating this data with other national databases and leveraging it for improved governance and citizen-centric services.
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