The National Identification Authority (NIA) says it is turning to private firms to help them with the issuance of national ID cards.

More than four years after it began work, the Authority is still struggling to meet its core function of issuing national ID cards to Ghanaians and non Ghanaians legally resident in the country.

The partnership is expected to support the Authority with the procurement of machines which would aid the issuance of cards to all applicants.

Director of Public Affairs at the Authority, Bertha Dzeble explained to Joy News that the NIA is involving private entities due challenges with the Consolidated Fund, which is the main source of funding for the registration exercise.

That challenge she noted has made it difficult to continue with the exercise.

Bertha Dzeble meanwhile revealed that the NIA is also working to soon start issuing instant ID cards to applicants.

As soon as they get the needed funding, "instant ID cards to Ghanaians will progress from there."

She said the Authority hopes to kick start the initiative by the close of 2014 after it had also concluded technical and legal discussions and arrangements on it.