NIA begins Ghana Card registration for children aged 6-14 in Northern Region

The National Identification Authority (NIA), in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has announced the commencement of a nationwide Ghana Card registration exercise for children aged between six and 14 years in the Northern Region.

The registration exercise begins on Thursday, June 11, 2026, as part of efforts to ensure that all eligible Ghanaian children are captured in the national identification database.

According to the NIA, the initiative follows the successful completion of a similar registration exercise in the Volta Region and Oti Region, where a mop-up exercise is currently being conducted for children who were unable to register during the initial phase.

As part of the programme, registration teams will visit public and private schools across the Northern Region to facilitate the process and ensure maximum participation. The exercise will run daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Authority noted that children within the target age group who are not enrolled in school can also register by visiting designated registration centres or participating schools within their communities.

To register, parents or guardians must present one of the following documents as proof of eligibility:

• Original Birth Certificate
• Valid Ghanaian Passport
• Certificate of Acquired Citizenship

Where these 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 NIA further encouraged parents and guardians to provide the child’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card or NHIS number where available to facilitate the registration process.

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 Authority has appealed to parents, guardians, school authorities, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders to support the exercise and ensure that every eligible child is registered.

The NIA also warned against the submission of false information or attempts to register non-Ghanaians, stressing that such actions constitute offences punishable under Ghanaian law.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to building a secure, inclusive, and reliable national identity system that guarantees recognition and protection for every eligible Ghanaian citizen.