Local leaders in Ghana's Volta Region are calling for more time to register children for the national identification card, known as the Ghana Card. Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) want the National Identification Authority (NIA) to continue the school registration drive. This is because many schools have not yet been covered by the program.
The registration exercise targeted children between 6 and 14 years old. It officially ended after 21 days. Many schools across the Volta Region were left without registered students. The MMDCEs believe this situation could make some communities feel left out. Mr. Jerry Ameko, speaking for the MMDCEs, said the exercise started on May 5. He noted that operational difficulties made implementation challenging. "How do we explain to people who have not been able to benefit from this registration?" he asked.
This situation highlights ongoing challenges in reaching all citizens with essential identification. The Ghana Card is crucial for accessing many government services and for economic participation. Prior efforts by the NIA have aimed for universal coverage. However, logistical hurdles remain. The MMDCEs' plea points to a gap in the national identification strategy. This gap affects access for vulnerable populations, like school children in remote areas. The ability of citizens to obtain a Ghana Card is increasingly linked to their ability to access jobs and social benefits.
Mr. Ameko explained that registration teams could not reach several school communities before the deadline. He used Adaklu District as an example. Adaklu has about 48 schools, but only about 40 were covered. "We have not even been able to cover 40 schools in Adaklu, and there are other districts with far more schools," he stated. This shows that even in smaller districts, completion was not achieved. He warned that many children in larger districts would miss out entirely if the exercise does not get an extension. Reasons for the delay included poor network connectivity. Bad weather also disrupted operations for the registration teams. Sometimes, disagreements and managing crowds also took up valuable time.
The District Chief Executive for Central Tongu, Mr. Addison Dodzi Mornyuie, supported the request for an extension. He emphasized that the exercise helps children who cannot easily travel to district centres. "We are talking about children and students here. Someone travelling from the far corner of a district to the district capital will find it difficult," he said. Mobile registration teams visiting schools are the best way to reach rural children. Stopping the exercise prematurely would deny these children access to a national identity. Extending the registration period would ensure more eligible children are included. It would help fulfil the goal of the programme.