NIA Workers Set for Indefinite Strike on 22-Month Delay in Salary

Workers at the National Identification Authority (NIA) are on the brink of shutting down operations nationwide. They plan to begin an indefinite strike on May 13, 2026, due to a prolonged delay by the Ministry of Finance in approving and implementing a staff migration exercise that affects salaries, promotions, and proper job placements.

What Is the Migration Exercise?

The migration exercise aims to align NIA staff positions, salaries, and career progression according to their qualifications, experience, and current responsibilities. It follows the approval of the Scheme of Service for NIA staff in July 2024, with the actual migration process starting in December 2024.

Nearly 22 months later, the process remains incomplete. Many employees continue working on outdated salary scales, missing out on deserved promotions and corresponding pay.

The Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), which represents NIA staff, issued a formal strike notice on May 6, 2026. In the notice, General Secretary Bernard Adjei stated:

“In our estimation, this process has been unduly delayed, thereby denying staff the right placement, corresponding salary, and outstanding promotion, among others.”

Union’s Frustration and Previous Efforts

The union claims it has engaged extensively with NIA management and relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), and others. Despite repeated assurances, no concrete progress has been made.

The strike notice was copied to key institutions:

• Minister of Finance
• National Labour Commission (NLC)
• National Security Coordinator
• Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC)

The union emphasized that the decision came after internal consultations, leaving them with “no alternative” but to support industrial action if approvals are not granted by the May 13 deadline.

Why This Strike Matters

The NIA is one of Ghana’s most critical public institutions. It manages the national identification database and oversees the issuance and renewal of the Ghana Card a document essential for banking, SIM registration, passport applications, voting, and accessing many government services.

A nationwide strike would likely:

• Halt new Ghana Card registrations and renewals
• Disrupt verification services
• Delay ongoing national ID projects
• Create long queues and public frustration once services resume

This is not the first time NIA workers have resorted to strike action. In 2025, they embarked on strikes over unpaid Operational Support Allowances and other concerns, with some actions later suspended after negotiations. The recurring industrial disputes point to deeper systemic challenges in staff welfare and bureaucratic delays within government payroll and grading processes.

Root Causes and Broader Implications

Delays in salary migration and scheme-of-service implementations are common complaints across several Ghanaian public institutions. They often stem from:

• Prolonged approval processes at the Ministry of Finance and FWSC
• Budgetary constraints and fiscal priorities
• Administrative bottlenecks in validating new structures

For NIA staff, the frustration is compounded by the high-pressure nature of their work, which involves handling sensitive personal data and delivering a flagship national project under public scrutiny.

When employees feel undervalued and financially shortchanged for nearly two years, productivity and morale suffer. In extreme cases, it can lead to errors or reduced commitment to service delivery.

What Should Happen Next?

Authorities must treat this matter with urgency. Recommended steps include:

1. Immediate High-Level Engagement :The Ministry of Finance and FWSC should fast-track the approval process and provide a clear timeline.
2. Transparent Communication: NIA management and government should update staff and the public regularly.
3. Mediation via NLC: The National Labour Commission should facilitate dialogue to avert the strike.
4. Long-Term Reforms : Streamline processes for scheme-of-service approvals and staff migrations across public institutions to prevent future crises.

NIA management has previously appealed to staff to consider the national interest during such disputes. While valid, the national interest also requires treating public servants fairly so they can serve the nation effectively.