NIA Launches Ghana Card Registration for Children Aged 6-14
The National Identification Authority (NIA) is set to register Ghanaians aged 6-14 for the Ghana Card from October 7, 2024, to March 2025 ¹. This initiative follows the successful registration of 18 million citizens above 15 and is a collaborative effort with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
Registration Process
The registration process will commence in schools, organized in batches across 170 districts ¹. Parents or guardians will need to provide their Ghana Card, birth certificate, or passport to register their children ¹. To ensure a seamless process, the NIA has engaged with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and schools.
Streamlined Registration
To minimize waiting time, registration will be conducted step-by-step, even for families with multiple children ¹. This approach aims to alleviate concerns about long queues.
Importance of Registration
According to Alfred Gazari, Deputy Director of Operations at NIA, incorporating children into the national database is crucial for achieving comprehensive identification for all Ghanaians ¹. The Ghana Card is essential for accessing various services, and registering children aged 6-14 represents a pivotal step in safeguarding their rights and enabling their full participation in society ²[5).
Collaboration with NHIA
The NIA and NHIA have signed a joint cooperative agreement to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage and national identity documentation for Ghana’s youth ². This initiative aims to issue Ghana cards to children aged 6-14, providing them with both healthcare access through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and official identification through the NIA.
Benefits
The registration drive offers numerous benefits, including:
- Enhanced access to healthcare services
- Official identification
- Socio-economic empowerment
- Inclusive participation in national programs
By registering children aged 6-14, Ghana is taking a significant step towards building a more inclusive and empowered society ².
