NIA disconnects GRA from identity verification platform over unpaid debt

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has disconnected the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) from its Identity Verification Service (IVS) platform due to indebtedness.

The GRA is said to be owing close to GH₵376 million and has refused to pay the NIA.

This has compelled the NIA to take the decision to disconnect the GRA from the system.

The NIA is seeking other options to try and completely delete its entire data from the GRA systems.

This development has started affecting exporters and importers who have been left stranded and unable to clear their goods.

The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association, Sampson Asaki, Awingobit, told Joy FM that his members are beginning to feel the disruption in the system.

He said Customs has not been able to use the system on Tuesday and therefore is unable to link importers and exporters to their goods using the NIA system as verification.

Also speaking to Joy News, the Head of Corporate Affairs at NIA, William Ampomah, said they had written to the Data Protection Commission requesting permission to delete its data from GRA servers.

He stated that the NIA has sent a series of demand notices to the GRA regarding the debt and needs the money to operate efficiently, as it is already affecting its operations.

The GRA on its part has downplayed the impact of the disconnection.

The Deputy Commissioner in Charge of Communications and Public Affairs at the GRA, Florence Asante, said they acknowledge the disconnection by the NIA, but it has had minimal impact on the GRA's operations.

She said the two government agencies are in talks trying to resolve the issues.