The Governing Board of the National Identification Authority (NIA) has dismissed a petition by nearly a thousand staff members, represented by the Public Services Workers Union of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), calling for the removal of Executive Secretary Professor Kenneth Attafuah.
The petition, submitted on July 1, alleged various infractions including violations of labor laws, selective recruitment practices, and poor corporate governance under Professor Attafuah’s leadership.
In response, the Governing Board issued a statement on July 5 expressing full confidence in Professor Attafuah’s integrity, competence, and dedication to his duties.
The statement described the petition as baseless and unwarranted, emphasizing that the Executive Secretary has consistently worked in the best interests of NIA employees.
The Board questioned the staff’s decision to bypass internal grievance procedures and directly petition the President.
They cited a National Labour Commission ruling declaring the staff’s actions as illegal and inappropriate. The Board urged employees to trust in its commitment to addressing their concerns through proper channels.
“As stated by the National Labour Commission (NLC) at a hearing on Wednesday, 3rd July 2024 into ongoing negotiations between Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (MSC) and the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU), the NIA Division of the PSWU (NIA PSWU) has no right to petition His Excellency the President to remove the Executive Secretary without exhausting internal procedures; the NLC declared the conduct of the NIA PSWU as both ‘illegal and completely out of line,’ the release added,” the Board’s statement read.
The Board concluded by reaffirming its commitment to transparent governance and the welfare of NIA staff, urging cooperation in resolving any internal disputes.
