Ghana's National Identification Authority has severed ties with the Ghana Revenue Authority due to an outstanding debt of GHC376 million.
Ghana's National Identification Authority Disconnects Ghana Revenue Authority from Identity Verification Service
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has cut off access to its Identity Verification Service (IVS) platform for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), due to an outstanding debt of approximately GH¢376 million that the GRA allegedly failed to settle or commit to a payment plan [1][5].
The disconnection, which took effect on August 5, 2023, was a last resort after "several unsuccessful attempts" to recover the debt, including written notices and escalation to Parliament, according to Williams Ampomah Darlas, Head of Corporate Affairs at NIA [1].
However, the GRA disputes the claim, stating that the debt is a "legacy debt" predating 2023 and lacks proper regulatory or governance approval. The GRA also claims there is no formal service agreement with the NIA and highlights that the NIA has operated offices within GRA premises without paying rent or utilities [2][4].
The IVS platform is a critical national infrastructure enabling real-time identity verification using the Ghana Card database for both public agencies and private businesses. The disconnection could potentially cause disruptions in services that depend on identity authentication, such as tax administration, financial transactions, and access control [1].
Public institutions relying on the IVS for identity verification may face delays and challenges in verifying individuals, potentially affecting efficiency and compliance. Private sector organizations that integrate the Ghana Card verification for customer onboarding or security may also be similarly impacted, affecting operations that require reliable identity confirmation [1].
The unauthorized access by third-party institutions, including the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the Lands Commission, and fintech company Hubtel, through the GRA, was also a violation of existing data laws, according to the NIA [3].
The NIA is urging for immediate government intervention to ensure the continuity and sustainability of its systems. The GRA, on the other hand, seeks closer collaboration to resolve the dispute and integrate the Ghana Card into tax administration fairly [2][4].
As of the article, the GRA has not publicly responded to the situation.
References:
[1] Myjoyonline.com. (2023). NIA disconnects GRA from identity verification service. Myjoyonline.com. [Online] Available at: https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghana-news/nia-disconnects-gra-from-identity-verification-service-20230805
[2] Graphic Online. (2023). NIA-GRA impasse: GRA disputes claims, seeks closer collaboration. Graphic Online. [Online] Available at: https://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/nia-gra-impasses-gra-disputes-claims-seeks-closer-collaboration.html
[3] Citi FM Online. (2023). NIA disconnects GRA from identity verification service. Citi FM Online. [Online] Available at: https://www.citifmonline.com/ghana-news/nia-disconnects-gra-from-identity-verification-service/
[4] Citi TV Online. (2023). NIA-GRA impasse: GRA disputes claims, seeks closer collaboration. Citi TV Online. [Online] Available at: https://www.cititvonline.com/ghana-news/nia-gra-impasses-gra-disputes-claims-seeks-closer-collaboration/
[5] Ghanaweb.com. (2023). NIA disconnects GRA from identity verification service. Ghanaweb.com. [Online] Available at: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/NIA-disconnects-GRA-from-identity-verification-service-755017
- The ongoing dispute between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Identification Authority (NIA) regarding a GH¢376 million debt could significantly impact various sectors such as business, finance, and general-news, as the disconnection of the GRA from the Identity Verification Service (IVS) platform may cause disruptions in services that depend on identity authentication.
- The potential disruptions in services due to the disconnection of the GRA from the IVS platform could have far-reaching implications not only for public institutions but also for private businesses, particularly those in the finance and general-news sectors that rely on reliable identity confirmation for their operations.
