The Chief Executive Officer of the National Identification Authority (NIA), Wisdom Yayra Koku Deku, has assured staff of the Authority that their welfare remains a top priority.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Deku disclosed that management had recently resolved issues concerning a 20 per cent operational allowance for workers after a demonstration.

“Just last month, our staff demonstrated over their 20 per cent operational allowance. I am happy to say that the matter has been resolved, and the allowance has been paid,” he said.

Mr Deku explained that one of his major priorities is to ensure that the NIA becomes financially independent in the near future.

“Currently, we are under government subvention, but before I leave the NIA, my vision is that the Authority should be able to generate its own income and pay staff salaries,” he added.

He also revealed that the Authority is in the process of migrating staff onto a new salary structure, with the Public Services Commission and Fair Wages and Salaries Commission already involved.

“Last month, I met with officials of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and I am hopeful the final report on staff migration will be ready soon,” he noted.

Mr Deku stressed the importance of improving conditions of service, warning that poor remuneration could compromise the integrity of the NIA.

“When people working in such a sensitive organisation are not well paid, it can lead to extortion and compromise of the system. That is why we are working hard to fix it,” he cautioned.

He further disclosed that part of the ongoing amendments will place the NIA permanently under the Ministry of Interior, which will allow the Authority to be recognised as a security institution.

“Once the migration is completed and we move permanently under the Interior Ministry, we will be pegged at the level of other state security institutions, and our workers will be paid well,” he assured.