NIA Launches One-Month Ghana Card Mop-Up Registration for Children in Volta and Oti Regions

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has officially commenced a one-month mop-up registration exercise for the Ghana Card, specifically targeting children aged 6 to 14 in the Volta and Oti regions. Starting on June 4, 2026, and scheduled to run until July 3, 2026, this initiative is designed to ensure that Ghanaian children who missed the primary registration phase are successfully enrolled in the national database. The exercise is a critical step in the NIA’s broader mission to create a comprehensive and inclusive National Identity Register, reaching into 22 districts across the two regions.

The registration process is set to take place across 13 districts in the Volta Region and nine districts in the Oti Region. Dedicated registration centers, including selected schools and public facilities, will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to accommodate both students and children who may not currently be attending school. By bringing registration closer to the communities, the NIA aims to streamline the process for parents and guardians, facilitating easier access to a fundamental document required for various social and administrative services in Ghana.

To facilitate a smooth registration, the NIA requires parents or guardians to present original supporting documents, such as a Ghanaian Birth Certificate or a valid passport. In instances where these documents are unavailable, an "Oath of Identity" may be utilized to verify the child's status. However, the Authority has issued a stern warning against any attempts to register non-Ghanaian children, noting that such fraudulent activities are illegal and will lead to prosecution. The NIA emphasized the importance of providing accurate information to maintain the integrity of the national ID system.

This regional mop-up forms part of a larger national strategy to register approximately 3.1 million children across the country, fostering a culture of formal identification from an early age. The NIA has expressed gratitude to various stakeholders for their continued support throughout the primary registration phases. As the exercise continues through early July, the Authority remains committed to ensuring that every eligible Ghanaian child is captured in the system, providing them with a secure identity that will benefit them throughout their educational and professional lives.