Staff members of the National Identification Authority (NIA) have unanimously decided to commence an indefinite strike action beginning Tuesday, June 24, 2025. This significant move was made following a resolution by the Divisional Executive Council of the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU)-NIA, which came after a failed attempt to reach a resolution during a critical meeting with the Ministry of Finance on June 23, 2025.
In their statement, union representatives characterized the strike as a “difficult but necessary” action, compelled by the Ministry of Finance’s ongoing failure to provide a clear commitment or time frame for the payment of the Operational Support Allowance. This allowance is crucial for NIA employees, as it serves as the only financial supplement to their otherwise inadequate base salaries.
The Operational Support Allowance was established following extensive negotiations that concluded in July 2024, involving the Government of Ghana’s delegation, including the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and representatives from the union. Payments for this allowance began in August 2024 and continued consistently until December 2024. However, since January 2025, these payments have come to a halt, leaving employees in fiscal distress.
Throughout this challenging period, NIA staff displayed considerable patience and restraint, largely motivated by trust in assurances provided by NIA Management. Management had communicated that they were making diligent efforts to address the issue and ensure payments would resume. This assurance was reiterated during a press briefing on June 18, 2025, where management emphasized that outstanding allowances would be settled “very, very soon.” Despite these assurances and the many follow-ups conducted by the union, concrete actions or timelines to resolve the situation remain elusive.
The frustration among NIA employees is palpable. A collective statement issued by union officials highlighted the emotional and financial strain faced by staff members, who are spread across the Head Office, Regional Offices, Premium Centres, and District Offices. The union expressed gratitude for the efforts of various stakeholders who have engaged in facilitating a resolution, yet lamented the lack of decisive action from the Ministry of Finance, which has left staff feeling neglected.
The call for the strike reflects a growing sense of urgency and desperation among NIA employees. Union leaders emphasized that this industrial action, while not taken lightly, is a necessary step in light of the sustained neglect workers have experienced during a prolonged period of uncertainty concerning their payments. Consequently, all PSWU members at the NIA have been directed to withdraw their services indefinitely, effective June 24, 2025, until their legitimate grievances are resolved and the overdue payments are reinstated.
You May Also Like
President mahama advocates new petroleum levy as "Difficult but necessary" measure
Upper east region: 21 pregnant candidates and 17 nursing mothers to write the 2025 bece
Private hospitals struggle as grnma strike leads to patient overflow
In closing, union leadership urged all members to remain united, peaceful, and law-abiding throughout this challenging period. They affirmed the union's readiness to engage in constructive dialogue, provided that such negotiations lead to the prompt and full disbursement of the Operational Support Allowance as previously negotiated and agreed upon. This situation remains a critical issue not only for the staff but also for the delivery of services by the NIA, raising questions about the broader implications for public service efficiency in Ghana.
Post a Comment