The National Identification Authority (NIA), in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has announced the start of a nationwide Ghana Card registration exercise for children aged six to 14 in the Northern Region. The exercise, which begins on Thursday, June 11, 2026, aims to capture all eligible Ghanaian children on the national identification database. It follows the successful completion of a similar initiative in the Volta and Oti Regions, where a mop-up exercise is currently underway to register children who missed the main phase.
According to the NIA, registration teams will visit both public and private schools across the Northern Region to ensure broad coverage. The exercise will run daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Children within the target age group who are not enrolled in school are encouraged to register at designated centres or participating schools within their communities.
The NIA stated that parents and guardians must present the child’s original Birth Certificate, valid Ghanaian passport, or a certificate of Acquired Citizenship as proof of eligibility.
Where such documents are unavailable, a parent, relative or legal guardian may complete an Oath of Identity form to support the registration process. For children without known relatives, two Social Welfare Officers may vouch for the child under oath. The Authority further encouraged parents and guardians to provide the child’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card or NHIS number, where available to facilitate the exercise.
In addition, individuals presenting children for registration must be Ghanaian citizens, at least 18 years old, of sound mind and possess a valid Ghana Card. The NIA has called on parents, guardians, school authorities, traditional leaders and other community stakeholders in the Northern Region to support the exercise to ensure that every eligible child is registered.
The Authority also cautioned the public against providing false information or assisting non-Ghanaians to register, stressing that such actions constitute offences punishable under Ghanaian law. The NIA reaffirmed its commitment to building a secure, inclusive and reliable national identity system that guarantees recognition and protection for every eligible Ghanaian.
Source: Raphael Ghartey
