Workers of the National Identification Authority (NIA) have announced plans to embark on an indefinite strike from May 13, 2026, over delays in the approval and implementation of a migration report affecting salaries, promotions, and staff placements.

The Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), in a notice issued on May 6, accused the Ministry of Finance of causing an “undue delay” in granting final approval for the migration exercise, despite the process beginning nearly two years ago.

According to the union, the Scheme of Service for NIA staff was approved in July 2024, paving the way for the migration exercise in December that same year.

However, workers say twenty-two months later, the process remains incomplete, leaving many employees without the salaries and promotions they are entitled to.

“In our estimation, this process has been unduly delayed, thereby denying staff the right placement, corresponding salary, and outstanding promotion, among others,” PSWU General Secretary Bernard Adjei stated in the strike notice addressed to the National Labour Commission (NLC) and NIA management.

The union acknowledged that management of the Authority has engaged stakeholders and offered assurances over the issue. However, it said repeated engagements have failed to produce results.

“We have effectively followed through on this migration exercise and consistently engaged with Management and all relevant stakeholders to swiftly resolve this matter. However, all efforts to obtain the necessary attention on this critical issue have not yielded the desired results,” the statement added.

The PSWU warned that the prolonged delay risks undermining industrial harmony within the Authority.

The migration exercise is expected to properly align staff positions, salaries and career progression within the NIA structure based on qualifications, experience and responsibilities. Workers argue that without implementation, many staff members remain on incorrect salary scales and are unable to access deserved promotions.

The union explained that the decision to strike was reached through internal consultations among workers, leaving leadership with “no alternative” but to support the action.

“If we do not receive the necessary approvals for implementation of the migration reports for Staff of the NIA by 13th May 2026,” the notice warned, “the industrial action will commence without further recourse.”

Copies of the strike notice were also sent to the Minister of Finance, the National Security Coordinator, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), and the Divisional Secretary of PSWU-NIA.

The planned strike could significantly affect operations at the National Identification Authority, which oversees the issuance of the Ghana Card and the management of the country’s national identification database.