The National Identification Authority (NIA) has initiated a comprehensive investigation following new allegations of extortion at its Sunyani Premium Registration Centre. This move comes after a TikTok user publicly accused some staff members of demanding unauthorized payments for registration services. Recognizing the seriousness of the claims, NIA Chief Executive William Yayra Koku Deku promptly directed the Authority’s Internal CID Unit to conduct a thorough probe and produce a detailed report on the incident.
In a public statement on Facebook, Mr. Deku emphasized the Authority’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. He warned that anyone found guilty of such misconduct would face immediate disciplinary actions and legal prosecution. Notably, he revealed that some staff members have already been interdicted over similar offenses, signaling a robust internal crackdown on unethical behavior within the agency. This decisive response aims to uphold integrity within the national registration system.
The NIA has reiterated that all official fees remain fixed and strictly regulated, with no staff member authorized to charge beyond the approved rates. This reassurance is part of the Authority’s broader commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery. Given that premium registration centres have seen recurring extortion complaints, the NIA is intensifying efforts to eliminate such malpractices, especially where public trust is most vulnerable.
Finally, the Authority urges the public to actively report any incidents of extortion through its established direct channels. Highlighting the importance of public cooperation, Koku Deku called for a united front against corruption to strengthen confidence in the national ID registration process. By fostering open communication and ensuring strict enforcement, the NIA aims to restore faith and provide citizens with fair and trustworthy services.
Source: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku