NIA Extends Ghana Card Registration for Children to Upper West, Savannah

The National Identification Authority (NIA) is extending its Ghana Card registration for children to the Upper West and Savannah regions. The exercise is due to start on Thursday, 12 November 2026.

The drive targets children aged six to 14 and is being run jointly with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), as first reported by Citi News.

According to the NIA, the move to the two regions follows the completion of the exercise in the Volta, Oti, Northern, North-East and Upper East regions.

In a statement released on Wednesday, 11 November, the Authority said its teams would go from one school to the next, visiting both public and private institutions, in order to reach as many children as possible. Registration will run every day between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

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Children in the eligible age group who are not enrolled in school can still be registered by going to "any designated registration centre or school within their locality", the NIA said.

Parents and guardians will need to bring the child's original birth certificate, a valid Ghanaian passport or a Certificate of Acquired Citizenship, according to the Authority.

Where none of these documents is available, the NIA said a parent, relative or legal guardian may fill out an Oath of Identity form. For children with no known relatives, the Authority said two Social Welfare Officers charged with the child's welfare could vouch for them under oath.

Families are also being encouraged to bring along the child's NHIS card or number if they have one.

The statement set out conditions for the adults who bring children forward. They must be Ghanaian, aged 18 or older, of sound mind and holders of a valid Ghana Card.

The Authority appealed to traditional leaders, school authorities, parents, guardians and other community stakeholders in the two regions to support the exercise and take part in it.

It also issued a warning that "providing false information or facilitating the registration of a non-Ghanaian constitutes an offence and is punishable under the law".

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