The Executive Secretary of the National Identification Authority (NIA), Professor Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah, has retired from the position after seven years.
Prof Attafuah, a criminologist, was appointed by President Akufo-Addo in January 2017.
In his farewell message, he emphasised the challenges and achievements of the NIA during his tenure.
“When I first took on this role seven years ago, the NIA faced numerous challenges,” he said.
However, he observed that his leadership transformed the NIA into a “service-driven organisation committed to providing every Ghanaian with a unique and secure identity”.
Citing some achievements over the years, Prof Attafuah highlighted the recent global registration initiative for Ghanaians living abroad, inaugurated on 22nd October 2024, in Copenhagen, Denmark.
He said the initiative has helped the NIA reach over 18.3 million Ghanaians globally.
“Every card issued represents a Ghanaian equipped with an identity,” he added.
He further urged NIA staff to continue upholding values of “integrity, perseverance, and service to the people of Ghana”.
He also assured them of his confidence in their capability to carry on the mission with wisdom and purpose.
Prof Attafuah was formerly the Executive Secretary of the NIA under the erstwhile President John Agyekum Kufuor’s administration.
He is a mediator, and management consultant with an impeccable human rights advocacy record.
He was the Executive Secretary of the National Reconciliation Commission set up by former President Kufuor to heal wounds caused by previous governments.
He was also the Director of Ghana’s anti-corruption agency, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).