NIA and NHIA begin free Ghana Card registration for children aged 6-14

The National Identification Authority (NIA), in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has commenced the registration of minors aged 6 to 14 for the Ghana Card, starting today, October 7, 2024.

This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to ensure all citizens are captured in the national identification system, improving access to essential services.

In the first phase, registration will take place at selected schools across various districts to make the process convenient for eligible children. Alfred Gazari, NIA’s Deputy Director of Operations, emphasized the program’s importance in an interview with Citi FM, stating that integrating minors into the national database is crucial for building a comprehensive identification framework for all Ghanaians.

“This registration for children aged 6 to 14 is crucial in achieving our goal of enrolling every Ghanaian,” Gazari explained. “We’ve already registered individuals over 15 and started with those under 5. This is the final phase, which also includes citizens living abroad.”

He emphasized the importance of the Ghana Card, noting that it is essential for accessing critical services. “Without it, you can’t access many services, so it’s important we include children in this age group,” he added.

Requirements for Registration

The Corporate Affairs Director of NIA, Theodie Addo-Dankwa, said it was only parents and guardians above 18 years and of sound mind who could register children, using their original birth certificates or valid Ghanaian passports.

Besides, he said a legal guardian could also vouch for the registration of children under oath.

“In cases where the child has no known relatives, two social welfare officers responsible for the child shall vouch for them,” Mr Addo-Dankwa, added. 

For his part, the Deputy Director, Business Systems, IT Project and MIS of the NHIA, Joe Annor-Darkwah, described the registration of children as a bold move to secure easy access to health care for children.

“By extending this initiative to 6.2 million children, we are laying the foundation for a healthier, more secure future for our young ones,” he said.

He therefore urged parents, community leaders, educators and health professionals to become advocates for the initiative.