The National Identification Authority (NIA), in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), will resume the Ghana Card registration exercise for children aged 6 to 14 years old in the Volta and Oti Regions, effective Tuesday, 5th May 2026.

The exercise forms part of a nationwide effort to register approximately 3.1 million children, aimed at deepening inclusion and strengthening Ghana’s national identity system from an early age.

The Volta and Oti Regions mark the beginning of a phased rollout across the country, with each phase expected to run for at least 21 days to ensure comprehensive coverage.

The Registration teams, according to the NIA “will move from school to school both public and private to enable extensive capturing of eligible children. Registration will take place daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Children within the 6 – 14 age bracket who do not attend school may visit any designated school or centre in their area to register.”

“To register a child, a parent or guardian must present the child’s original Birth Certificate, a valid Ghanaian passport, or a Certificate of Acquired Citizenship. In the absence of these, a parent, relative, or legal guardian may complete an Oath of Identity form. For children without known relatives, two Social Welfare Officers may vouch for

the child under oath”, Williams Ampomah Emmanuel Darlas, Head of Corporate Affairs Directorate at NIA said in a statement signed and made available to the media.

The statement added that, Parents and guardians who have enrolled their children onto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) are encouraged to present the child’s NHIS card or number during registration. All persons presenting children must be Ghanaian, at least 18 years old, of sound mind, and in possession of a valid Ghana Card.

“Children registered during the 2024 pilot phase but are yet to receive their cards should visit the NIA District Office where they registered for issuance.“

 The NIA urged all parents, guardians, and Social Welfare Officers in the Volta and Oti Regions to take advantage of this exercise. The Authority reiterated that providing false information or facilitating the registration of a non-Ghanaian is an offence punishablevby law.

The NIA said they remained committed to delivering a secure, inclusive, and reliable national identity system for all Ghanaians.

Sompaonline.com/Bismarck Oppong