2016 flag-bearer of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, says the problem with the implementation of the National Identification (NI) card project was due to initial strict opposition by the Electoral Commission (EC).
According to him, the EC, led by Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan, at the time resisted the implementation of the project by supporting their stance with some laws.
He explained that the argument by the EC at the time was that they were the only mandated institution required by law to register “anybody to get any national identification.”
That, Dr. Nduom explained, was supported by other state agencies that wanted to do their own projects.
Dr. Nduom was continuing his last week discussion on the implementation of the national ID on Ghana, Great and Strong, a programme broadcast live every Saturday from 7:00 p.m., to 8:00 p.m., on 10 radio and 4 television stations across the country.
He claimed that major stakeholders like the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Driver’s and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) among others also opposed the idea of the national ID for the country
“Many of the so-called stakeholders did not want a change. They all wanted their own ID numbers or system. That was why we could not come up with the national identification system so the efforts stalled,” he recounted.
He disclosed that “so far about 15 million United States dollars has been spent on the project.”
The PPP leader was hopeful that the cost benefit would be more if it was not done.
Enumerating the numerous benefits of the national identification card, Dr. Nduom said when implemented, there will be a national data base where state institutions like the EC can easily access information.
“It will also reduce people using other people’s information as collateral to do fictitious businesses without being caught,” he pointed out.
Dr. Nduom however, was concerned about who would be awarded the contract?
He therefore, advised the new committee to think through before awarding the contract to avoid any possible shoddy works.
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