The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Identification Authority (NIA) in a landmark collaboration, have signed an agreement to register and issue Ghana cards to 6.3 million children across Ghana for.
This initiative targets children aged six to 14 years and is set to begin on June 10, 2024.
The NHIA and NIA have called on parents and guardians to ensure their children are registered to obtain the Ghana card, which will facilitate access to healthcare and serve as official identification.
A statement from the NHIA highlighted that this targeted program is part of broader efforts to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage and national identity documentation for the youth.
The early issuance of Ghana cards is intended to enhance access to essential healthcare services and enable participation in various socio-economic activities requiring official identification.
“The initiative aims to issue Ghana cards to this demographic, providing them with both healthcare access through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and official identification through the NIA,” the statement said.
“The collaboration between NHIA and NIA underscores a concerted effort by the Ghanaian government to streamline administrative processes and expand social services reach.”
Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, Chief Executive of NHIA, emphasized the importance of the initiative in building inclusive access to healthcare.
“We recognize the importance of providing universal healthcare coverage and ensuring that every child in Ghana has access to essential services,” he stated.
Executive Secretary of NIA, Prof. Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah, described the Ghana card as a crucial tool for identity authentication and access to public services.
“The issuance of Ghana cards to children between six and 14 years represents a pivotal step in safeguarding their rights and enabling their full participation in society,” he said.
To facilitate the registration process, dedicated registration centers will be set up in schools nationwide.
This strategic move aims to streamline the process and ensure that a large number of children can be registered efficiently.
The initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing healthcare access and identity documentation for children in Ghana, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its young citizens.
