Staff of the National Identification Authority (NIA) across Ghana have begun an indefinite strike effective Tuesday, June 24, 2025, over the government’s failure to resume payment of their Operational Support Allowance.
The action, announced by the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) of TUC (Ghana), NIA Division, follows what the union describes as months of broken promises and inaction by the Ministry of Finance.
In a formal notice issued on June 23, 2025, the Union said the strike was a necessary but difficult decision after the Ministry failed to offer a definitive commitment or timeline on when the allowance intended to supplement the low basic salaries of NIA staff would be paid.
The Operational Support Allowance was the result of a negotiated agreement reached in July 2024 between the Union and the Government of Ghana, represented by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Ministry of Finance. Payments began in August 2024 but stalled in January 2025 without explanation.
“Despite repeated follow-ups, engagements, and the patience exercised by staff over the past six months, no concrete steps have been taken by the Ministry to resume the payments,” the union’s statement read.
NIA Management had publicly assured staff and the public during a June 18 press briefing that the outstanding allowances would be paid “very, very soon.” However, according to the Union, those assurances have not materialized into action.
The strike affects NIA staff stationed at the Head Office, Regional and District Offices, as well as Premium Centres nationwide. Union leaders said members are experiencing severe financial and emotional strain due to the stalled payments.
“We do not take this decision lightly,” the union stated, adding that the strike reflects growing frustration among staff who feel neglected despite their critical role in national identity operations.
While thanking stakeholders who have tried to mediate the issue, the PSWU emphasized that its members will not resume work until their demands are fully met.
“All PSWU members at the NIA are directed to withdraw their services indefinitely until our legitimate concerns are addressed and outstanding payments resumed,” the statement concluded.
The Union reiterated its openness to dialogue on the condition that it leads to immediate action on the allowances.
