Accra, Ghana – From 20 May to 14 June 2024, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is working with the National Identification Authority (NIA) and the Pusiga District Assembly to facilitate access to the Ghana Card for eligible Ghanaian citizens in the border communities of Pulmakom, Kulungugu and Pusiga. This intervention forms part of IOM’s strategic engagement with the Government of Ghana to reinforce border security and community resilience.

This intervention is based on a vulnerability and security perception study that was carried out last year in eight border communities: Hamile, Kulungugu, Mognori, Namoo, Paga, Pulmakom, Pusiga, and Tumu. The findings of the study led to town hall meetings as well as the establishment of Dialogue Platforms in each of the communities, bringing together representatives of different demographics of the communities, local authorities, and law enforcement. Subsequently, recommendations to address the challenges identified through the town halls and community dialogues were elaborated during two national consultations with state actors (including, security services; and Ministries, Departments and Agencies), intergovernmental actors, and international non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations.

One of the recurrent challenges highlighted during these consultations was facilitating the mobility of border community members who cross the border daily without identity cards to go about their routine activities, leading to conflict with local authorities and security services.

The issue of access to identity cards was further discussed during a national roundtable meeting on border community engagement in August 2023. Security services and the District Chief Executives (DCEs) from the Upper East Region highlighted the importance of improving access to the Ghana Card in the border regions to strengthen border security while facilitating the orderly mobility of border residents. NIA, which is responsible for registering and issuing the Ghana Card, confirmed its willingness to reinforce the registration and issuance of the Ghana Card to eligible Ghanaians in these communities.

Against this background, IOM and the District Assemblies agreed to collaborate with NIA and carry out a pilot registration exercise in the Pusiga District in north-eastern Ghana. The aim is to strengthen access to legal identity in these communities while facilitating the secure and orderly mobility of border residents.

A key component of this initiative is stakeholder engagement, sensitization, and a public education campaign led by NIA in collaboration with the Information Services Department. This two-week campaign is being carried out to inform and educate community members about the importance of the registration process and how to participate effectively. NIA has also facilitated the mobilization and deployment of staff to ensure that adequately trained personnel are present at the registration centres to assist applicants and manage the registration process smoothly. The exercise is being closely monitored to identify and address any issues promptly.

For further information, please contact Nnamdi Iwuora, Senior Programme Manager at IOM Ghana at niwuora@iom.int.