The National Identification Authority (NIA) has appealed to its striking staff to return to work, warning that an extended shutdown could result in major revenue losses for government institutions and potentially pose a national security threat.
The industrial action, declared over delays in the payment of the Operational Support Allowance—the only allowance received by NIA staff in addition to their base salaries—follows what workers describe as the Ministry of Finance’s failure to provide a clear timeline or commitment for payment.
Speaking to Citi News on Tuesday, June 24, Head of Corporate Affairs at the NIA, Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, called on the Finance Ministry to urgently resolve the matter, highlighting the critical importance of the Authority’s operations to both public and private sector institutions.
“The NIA is a critical government institute, and a shutdown can bring a lot to the country. Once we unplug, no bank will be able to work successfully. All the government institutions will lose revenue,” he said.
He explained that services such as biometric verification and identity authentication—required by banks, government agencies, and businesses—would be severely disrupted by the ongoing strike.
While acknowledging the legitimate concerns of the staff, Darlas made an emotional appeal for the union to suspend the action to allow space for resolution.
“I want to plead with the Union, they know we’ve been with them throughout the journey. We are not abandoning them. But given the nature of what we do as an Authority, we cannot shut our services to the public,” he said.
Darlas assured staff that management remains fully committed to championing their cause and is working actively with stakeholders to ensure the allowances are paid.
“Management will do everything within its power to ensure these allowances are paid,” he said, calling on workers to resume their duties in the national interest as dialogue continues.
