ADVERTISEMENT
Minority boycott Ghana Card registration exercise
The Minority believe the National Identification Authority (NIA) has not been transparent enough with regards to the entire registration exercise and its costs.
Recommended articles
They believe the National Identification Authority (NIA) has not been transparent enough with regards to the entire registration exercise and its costs.
READ ALSO: Former President:
A letter signed by Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, said it is surprising that the NIA has not held a meeting with MPs to “clarify a number of issues relating to the roll out of the exercise”.
ADVERTISEMENT
The statement added that they remain “opposed to the restriction of identification requirements for registration to Passports and Birth Certificates”.
According to them, over 23 million Ghanaians would not be able to register for the Ghana Card and would also not enjoy its intended benefits if only birth certs and passports are accepted for registration.
READ ALSO: National Identification Card:
Read the Minority’s full statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT BY MINORITY IN PARLIAMENT ON REGISTRATION OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT UNDER NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION SCHEMEThe Minority Caucus in Parliament has taken note of an announcement that the National Identification Authority(NIA),will be carrying out a registration exercise in Parliament tomorrow,Monday,11th June,2018.We find this development very surprising for a number of reasons.First, it was our understanding that the National Identification Authority, would engage Members of Parliament in a meeting to clarify a number of issues relating to the roll out of the exercise. This meeting was duly advertised in the Business Statement at least twice only to be postponed again this time indefinitely when the Business Statement was read by the Majority Chief Whip, Hon. Kwasi Ameyaw-Cheremeh last Friday the 8th of June, 2018. We still have no indication when this crucial meeting will be held.Second, significant questions remain about the cost, scope and legality of the project as well as registration requirements.With regards to the cost of the project, the leadership of the NIA, has been less than candid with the people of Ghana. Whereas documents available to us show that the total project cost is $ 1.4 billion which can be broken down down into $1,221,476,123 actual cost and tax exemption of $ 176 million, the Chief Executive Officer of the NIA, Prof Ken Attafuah, is on record as saying it will cost $ 293 million.We are also aware that despite the provision of Government support by the Akufo Addo government in respect of revenue projections for the project, this has not been brought to Parliament for approval in accordance with Ghanaian Law.Furthermore, we remain opposed to the restriction of identification requirements for registration to Passports and Birth Certificates. Our analysis show that this will prevent about 23 million Ghanaians from obtaining the Ghana Card and deprive them of any benefit thereof.We also have grave concerns about potential breaches of Procurement laws and processes.In view of the foregoing, we are unbale to participate in the registration exercise slated for tomorrow at Parliament house. Subsequent to this statement, we will hold a comprehensive press conference on Tuesday,12th June,2018 to shed more light on our position and matters arising out of the National Identification project.SIGNEDHON HARUNA IDDRISUMINORITY LEADER AND MP FOR TAMALE SOUTHSUNDAY, 10TH JUNE,2018ACCRA
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh
Recommended articles
‘Dumsor’ challenges will end in a few days – ECG Board Chairman assures Ghanaians
We’ll prosecute corrupt appointees under Akufo-Addo’s govt – Prof. Opoku-Agyeman
How First and Second Ladies rejected and refunded all allowances given to them since 2017
Russian Deputy Defence Minister, Ivanov detained for accepting large bribes
Vice President Dr. Bawumia meets Pope Francis in Rome
Payment of salaries to spouses of President, Vice President illegal – Supreme Court
Celebrating a Maternal Pillar: The enduring legacy of Comfort Naa Momo Amugi
Akufo-Addo tasks the Finance Ministry, GRA to renegotiate the SML contract
