Workers Halt Services, Demand Allowance Payments
Workers at Ghana’s National Identification Authority (NIA) began an indefinite strike over unpaid Operational Support Allowances on June 24, 2025. The Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) announced the action, citing months of delays by the Ministry of Finance. The strike has stopped services at NIA offices, affecting ID card issuance.
The allowances, meant to supplement workers’ low pay, have been unpaid since January 2025. The PSWU said talks with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Ministry broke down on June 23, with no clear timeline for payment. Workers are frustrated by what they call the government’s lack of commitment.
This is the second NIA strike in 2025, following a similar action on June 10, which was paused after talks. The union had planned a strike in March but delayed it, hoping for progress. They now accuse the government of bad faith, pushing workers to withdraw services until demands are met.
The strike disrupts Ghana Card services, which are vital for banking, voting, and other activities. The PSWU urged the government to act quickly to resolve the issue. The National Labour Commission has not yet commented, but pressure is mounting to address workers’ concerns and restore services.
As the strike continues, Ghanaians face delays in getting IDs, raising fears of broader impacts. The government’s response in the coming days will be key to ending the standoff and ensuring the NIA can resume normal operations.