Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Public Administration and State Interests, Sammi Awuku, has sounded the alarm over what he calls a looming national crisis triggered by a breakdown in cooperation between the National Identification Authority (NIA) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
In a strongly worded statement posted on Facebook on Wednesday, August 6, the Akropong MP described the GRA-NIA standoff as a dangerous sign of institutional neglect, warning that the issue goes far beyond a financial disagreement.
“This goes beyond funding issues,” Awuku stressed. “If NIA’s systems are compromised, we are all at risk, from identity theft to institutional collapse. That’s not a hypothetical threat. It’s a real, growing danger.”
His remarks follow the NIA’s decision to disconnect the GRA from its Identity Verification System Platform (IVSP) on August 5, 2025, citing a GH₵376 million debt owed by the revenue authority.
The disconnection caused widespread disruption at ports and tax offices, leaving many importers and service users stranded.
According to Awuku, the NIA has made repeated efforts to engage the GRA and settle the matter amicably, but those attempts were met with silence, forcing the Authority to act in defence of its operations.
Awuku revealed that the NIA is not only burdened by GRA’s alleged debt but is also owed over $50 million by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), further worsening its cashflow crisis.
He expressed dismay over what he described as chronic underfunding of the NIA, noting that Parliament only approved GH₵21 million out of the GH₵78 million the Authority requested for capital expenditure in the 2025 budget.
“Already with an approved Capex of just GHS 21 million out of the GHS 78 million (NIA requested ) in the 2025 budget is woefully inadequate for the institution managing the data of over 32 million Ghanaians,” he warned.
The Vice Chair noted that the NIA’s inability to upgrade its systems or implement critical cybersecurity measures due to lack of funding has now created a real national security threat.
Awuku is urging the Ministry of Finance and the Executive to prioritise emergency funding for the NIA and facilitate immediate dialogue between the two institutions to restore operational normalcy.
Meanwhile, the GRA has publicly rejected the NIA’s claims, describing the GH₵376 million as a “legacy debt” arising from transactions that lacked regulatory approval.
In a statement released on Tuesday, August 5, the Authority questioned the legal basis for the alleged debt, citing the absence of a formal service agreement with the NIA.
Despite the pushback, Awuku insists that finger-pointing must give way to urgent action.
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