The National Identification Authority (NIA) has disclosed that it is owed substantial amounts of money by both the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). 

According to Prof. Kenneth Attafuah, the Executive Secretary of the NIA, the NHIA owes the Authority $58 million, while the GRA's debt amounts to GH₵288 million. These debts have been accumulating since 2020.

Prof. Attafuah made this revelation during an appearance before the Assurances Committee of Parliament on Monday, August 26, 2024. 

He explained that these financial constraints are contributing to the NIA's difficulties in printing Ghana Cards for the public. The Authority is currently facing challenges in meeting its card issuance responsibilities due to the outstanding debts.

At present, approximately 151,896 Ghana Cards are prepared and awaiting printing, but the NIA is hindered by outstanding payments to its technical partners. 

Additionally, there is a backlog of about 559,457 cards, despite over 17 million cards already issued to the public. This backlog underscores the ongoing strain on the NIA's resources.

Prof. Attafuah expressed the Authority's readiness to address the backlog and issue all outstanding cards once the debts are settled. 

He pointed out that the NIA also owes significant amounts to its partners, such as Identity Management Systems Limited, which has further complicated the card issuance process.

Earlier this year, several of NIA’s partners, including Identity Management Systems, withheld over 3.5 million cards due to the government's failure to clear its financial obligations. 

This action has significantly impacted the Authority’s ability to fulfill its card distribution commitments.

As of August 20, 2024, the NIA database had recorded over 18 million Ghanaians. To date, 17 million Ghana Cards have been printed, reflecting the scale of the NIA's efforts despite the financial hurdles it faces. 

The resolution of these debts is critical for the NIA to continue its vital work in issuing Ghana Cards efficiently.