“Workers Feel Deceived” – PSWU Laments as NIA Staff Strike Begins
Nationwide strike over conditions of service hits Ghana Card operations
The Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) has expressed deep disappointment and frustration following the commencement of a nationwide strike by workers of the National Identification Authority (NIA) over unresolved concerns about conditions of service.
The industrial action, which took effect Monday, has already started affecting operations at NIA centres across the country, particularly Ghana Card registration and issuance, a key government identification program.
Discontent over broken promises
In a strongly worded statement, PSWU leadership stated that staff of the NIA “feel deceived” after several months of negotiations with government officials and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) yielded no satisfactory outcomes.
“Workers have been patient for too long. They feel deceived and disregarded. Promises were made and expectations raised—but nothing concrete has been done,”
a PSWU spokesperson noted.
The union says the strike became necessary after failed attempts to address long-standing disparities in remuneration and working conditions.
Impact on public services
The strike has forced the suspension of Ghana Card services, including new registrations, updates, and replacements—disrupting processes tied to SIM registration, banking, and public service access.
Ghanaians visiting NIA district and regional offices Monday morning were met with locked doors and notices announcing the industrial action.
Government yet to respond
As of Tuesday morning, no formal response had been issued by either the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations or the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. Civil society groups have urged the government to act swiftly to avert a prolonged standoff, which could affect digital ID implementation and national data systems.
The PSWU insists it remains open to dialogue but will not call off the strike until concrete steps are taken to improve conditions for its members at the NIA.
Read Also: Tamale Teaching Hospital: (TTH) Doctors Call Off Strike After Successful Negotiations
