The National Identification Authority (NIA) has disconnected the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) from its Identity Verification Service (IVS) platform over a longstanding debt exceeding GH¢376 million.
The disconnection, which took effect on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, follows what the NIA describes as repeated failed attempts to get the GRA to settle the debt or agree to a payment plan. The IVS platform is a vital infrastructure that enables both public and private institutions to verify individuals’ identities in real time using the Ghana Card database.
The suspension has raised concerns about disruptions to services that rely on the platform for identity authentication.
Speaking on Eyewitness News with Sammi Wiafe, the NIA’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Williams Ampomah Darlas, expressed deep frustration over the GRA’s lack of response and cooperation.
“We wrote to them countless times without any reply. We even escalated the matter to Parliament,” he revealed. “Our final notice was sent on July 29, warning them to show commitment or face disconnection. They failed to respond, so we proceeded to block access on August 5.”
Unauthorized Data Sharing Raises Legal Concerns
Mr. Darlas further disclosed that other institutions—including the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the Lands Commission, and technology firm Hubtel—have been accessing the NIA’s data through the GRA’s portal without authorization, violating data protection laws.
“What is disheartening is that these institutions have been sourcing our data from GRA without our consent, which constitutes a serious legal breach,” he said. “Meanwhile, GRA hasn’t paid its dues to us, and is passing on our data to third parties in clear violation of the law.”
He emphasized that the NIA’s decision, though difficult, was necessary to protect the integrity of the institution and its ability to function effectively.
“As an Authority, we need to be able to operate. The non-compliance is affecting our capacity to deliver. We understand the implications of this action, but it had to be taken,” Darlas said.
Call for Urgent Intervention
The NIA is calling for immediate intervention and accountability to ensure the continued functionality and financial sustainability of the IVS platform, which plays a critical role in national identity verification across key sectors.
