Federation of Labour — Consider Voters’ ID as proof of nationality

• Posted on July 24, 2018
• by Ellsamwise King
• Comment

The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has added its voice to calls on the National Identification Authority (NIA) to include voter’s identity card (ID) as proof of nationality for the ongoing registration exercise for the Ghana Card.

According to the GFL, the public outcry for the voter’s ID to be included in the list of documents for the exercise was not born out of any selfish interest but to ensure that no citizen is deprived of their voting right.

Speaking to the Daily Graphic last Friday, the Secretary-General of the GFL, Mr. Abraham Koomson, asked the NIA to reconsider its decision to limit the list of documents for the exercise to the birth certificate, driver’s license, and Ghanaian passport. According to him, the process for acquiring a voter’s ID was even more rigorous and credible than some of the required documents today.

Caution

Mr. Koomson warned that any attempt to politicise the registration process for selfish interests would be dangerous for national development.

Mr. Koomson further observed that the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Abu Ramadan versus the Attorney-General case which affirmed the voter’s ID card as proof of identity was strong evidence that it ought to be part of the list of accepted documents.

“Again, the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2018 LI 2356 captures the voter’s ID card as a critical requirement for the acquisition of national ID card so we advise the leaders of this country to think through their actions in the interest of national unity,” he added.

Responsibility

Mr. Koomson also observed that as a trade union, the GFL had the responsibility to protect the security of workers and the society in general.

Mr. Koomson said the GFL was monitoring the registration process and would take appropriate action when there was a need.

Background

The registration exercise started in 2006 when the NIA Act, 2006 (Act 707) was passed. The Act was replaced with the NIA Act, 2008 (Act750) and subsequently operationalized by the National Identification Register Regulations 2012 (LI 2111).

The exercise began with the registration of persons in key institutions in the country.

However, the Minority in Parliament, IMANI Africa and other civil society organizations (CSOs), as well as some distinguished individuals have raised concerns about the exclusion of the voter’s ID card as a valid document for registration