The National Identification Authority (NIA) says six of its staff have been arrested over alleged extortion during a free Ghana Card registration exercise at the Galaka registration centre in the Upper East Region.
According to Citi Newsroom, the six were arrested by the Bawku West District Police after parents identified them as personnel who allegedly demanded money before registering their children. The exercise was for children aged 6 to 14 and was meant to be free.
The NIA said the suspects are assisting the police with investigations.
In a press release dated 29 October 2026, the Authority also said it had terminated the appointments of seven other members of the registration team, who it said were aware of the alleged misconduct but failed to report it. The decision followed an internal review.
The statement, signed by the Head of the Corporate Affairs Directorate, Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, said no staff member is authorised to demand unauthorised payments from applicants or their parents. It urged the public to report suspected misconduct through official channels.
The NIA did not name the arrested staff, and the statement did not say whether they have been charged. The six remain presumed innocent.