What NIA boss Ken Attafuah said about NPP foot soldiers and building neutral public service

The Executive Secretary of the National Identification Authority (NIA), Prof Ken Attafuah has said his vision is to build a formidable national identification system that is politically neutral.

And in line with that, he will not countenance on employing unqualified personnel and politically biased persons.

In a radio interview with Angel FM, Prof Attafuah said he was focused on his mandate and would not be swayed by his detractors including party supporters.

He insisted that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has charged him to ensure that no party executives are hired in the process at the National Identification Authority (NIA).

Speaking in the Twi language in the interview, Prof Attafuah said President Akufo-Addo's vision is for him to build a neutral public service and so he [Attafuah] was doing what the law permits and in line with the President's legacy.

He said the public needs to ensure political neutrality in public service.

Prof Attafuah's comment has elicited varied responses with many NPP members expressing anger about the comment.

Read also: Ken Agyapong replies Prof Attafuah; Is your position at NIA politically neutral?

The vociferous Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Mr Kennedy Agyapong for instance thinks Prof Attafuah did not choose his words well.

Mr Agyapong has therefore vowed to ensure that Prof Attafuah was removed from the NIA.

Mr Agyapong said he was going to organise party members against Mr Attafuah.

To him, Prof Attafuah's comment was a "serious damage" to the NPP and the youth, many of whom are looking for job opportunities.

Related: Why some applicants are yet to get their Ghana Cards - NIA boss explains

Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh