The National Identification Authority has suspended the distribution of identity cards to citizens due to the high costs involved. Officials of the Authority, which is already saddled with financial difficulties, also explain the exercise was suspended earlier this year to allow the Electoral Commission to go about its biometric voter registration exercise. Executive Director, Dr. William Ahadzie told Joy News’ Araba Coomson the authority will resume distribution of the cards next month but will now expect the public to go pick them from designated centers. He said unlike previously where the Authority engaged people to do distribution, this time around, some persons at the various districts would be identified and the ID cards lodged with them so that people can go and pick their cards. The work of the NIA has been hampered by lack of funds but Dr Ahadzie said “government has supported us to begin a process of seeking support from other sources outside the country.” He said the Authority was on the verge of closing a deal to source funding from China.