Workers at Ghana's National Identification Authority (NIA) will begin an indefinite strike on May 13, 2026. This action comes after a 22-month delay in approving and implementing their salary migration reports. The Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) blames the Ministry of Finance for the significant holdup.
This delay affects thousands of NIA staff members. It prevents them from receiving appropriate salaries, promotions, and job placements. The migration exercise began in December 2024, following the approval of the Scheme of Service in July 2024. The union states that the Ministry of Finance has caused an “undue delay” in granting final approval, despite repeated engagements with management.
This planned strike highlights ongoing challenges within Ghana's public sector regarding salary adjustments and worker welfare. Such industrial actions can disrupt essential government services and strain public finances. Previous disputes have often involved the Ministry of Finance and Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. Ghana’s government payroll typically accounts for a significant portion of its recurrent expenditure. Smooth implementation of salary structures is crucial for maintaining public sector efficiency and industrial harmony.
PSWU General Secretary Bernard Adjei stated, “This process has been unduly delayed, thereby denying staff the right placement, corresponding salary, and outstanding promotion.” His statement was part of the strike notice sent to the National Labour Commission and NIA management. The union indicated that all efforts to resolve the matter through dialogue have failed.
The impending strike could severely affect NIA operations. The NIA is responsible for issuing the Ghana Card and managing the national identification database. Any disruption to these services would impact citizens' ability to access government services and could affect the country's digital verification systems. Decision-makers in the Ministry of Finance will need to address these concerns quickly to avoid prolonged disruptions and ensure national identification services remain stable.
The migration exercise aims to properly align staff positions and salaries within the NIA. It also seeks to ensure career progression based on qualifications, experience, and responsibilities. Without its implementation, many staff members remain on incorrect salary scales. They also cannot access promotions they have earned.
The PSWU communicated that the decision to strike resulted from internal consultations among workers. This left the union leadership with “no alternative” but to support the action. The notice warns that industrial action will commence without further recourse if necessary approvals are not received by May 13, 2026. Copies of the strike notice were also sent to other key stakeholders. These include the National Security Coordinator and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.