Yayra Koku credits divine providence as he takes charge as acting NIA CEO

Mr. Wisdom Yayra Koku Deku has credited divine providence for his appointment as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Identification Authority (NIA).

The Presidency officially confirmed him as the CEO of NIA on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Reflecting on his career journey, Mr. Deku expressed gratitude to former President John Dramani Mahama for recognizing his potential and entrusting him with the leadership role.

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"This can only be God. Thank you, President John Dramani Mahama, for recognizing my potential and giving me the opportunity to serve," Mr. Deku shared in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

Mr. Deku’s appointment marks a full-circle moment in his career, having started at the NIA as a temporary Technical Officer in 2008.

"The journey ahead is exciting, and I can't wait to dive in and make a difference. A significant difference," he added, assuring Ghanaians of his dedication to making an impact in his new role.

He also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming messages of support from colleagues, friends, and well-wishers, pledging to make them proud. "The job has just started. I will make you all PROUD with God on our side," he wrote.

Background

Mr. Deku’s appointment follows the resignation of Professor Kenneth Attafuah, the former CEO of the NIA, who announced his decision to step down last year. 

During his tenure, Prof. Attafuah played a critical role in advancing the digitization of Ghana’s identification systems. 

His departure created a vacuum that Mr. Deku is now poised to fill with new energy and vision.

The NIA, responsible for managing Ghana's national identity database, is a cornerstone in the nation’s digital transformation efforts. With Mr. Deku at the helm, stakeholders are optimistic about advancements in service delivery and operational efficiency under his leadership.