Wisdom Kwaku Deku, Executive Director of the National Identification Authority (NIA), has revealed that if a proposed change to the NIA Act, 2006 (Act 707), is accepted by Parliament, the Authority will be permanently under the Ministry of the Interior.
According to Mr. Deku, the revision aims to better incorporate the NIA into Ghana’s security structure.
It will provide security agencies with direct but clearly defined access to the NIA database, bringing the Authority’s functions closer to national security.
“National identity is a national security issue. The current Act did not allow the NIA to fully integrate with the country’s security system, which limited our collaboration with law enforcement and intelligence agencies. This amendment seeks to correct that,” he stated.
The NIA is not assigned to any specific Ministry under the present Act 707; thus, subsequent governments must decide where it should be placed.
The Authority has been transferred several times over the years, most recently to the Ministry of the Interior.
Mr. Deku stated that the Authority’s capacity to form long-term relationships has been hampered by periodic reorganizations.
“The constant movement from one Ministry to another has created inefficiencies and instability. By placing the NIA permanently under the Ministry of the Interior, we will be able to strengthen coordination and enforce our mandate more effectively,” he reiterated.
One of the amendment’s primary benefits, he stated, is the assistance it will bring to police enforcement authorities.
“With defined access to the NIA database, police officers will be able to track down suspects more easily using their identification card records.”
“This is a significant boost to crime-fighting efforts,” Mr. Deku stated.
He emphasized that the adjustments are more than just administrative reorganization; they also aim to make the Authority a credible partner in defending national security.
Source: newsthemegh.com