A Radio and TV talk show host, Gordon Asare-Bediako has taken the Akufo-Addo government to the cleaners over the recently announced fee hikes for obtaining or replacing a Ghana Card.
According to the Managing Editor of ABCNews, these fees unfairly burden citizens and could negatively impact the NPP’s prospects in the upcoming 2024 elections.
In a video that has gone viral, Mr Asare-Bediako is captured fuming on Wontumi Radio and condemning the new fees stating that the Ghanaian populace has done nothing to warrant such high costs for obtaining or replacing a Ghana Card.
He expressed his disappointment in the NPP, warning that these actions could cost them victory in the upcoming December polls.
“What crime have Ghanaians committed?” he quizzed in the video.
Mr Asare-Bediako also called on Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s flagbearer, to listen to the people’s grievances and not risk his political future by ignoring them.
Asare-Bediako was blunt in his criticism, describing the new fees as “madness” and questioning the rationale behind such high charges.
He added that if President Akufo-Addo himself announced the fee hikes, Dr Bawumia should counter it to show support for the people.
“Sometimes, when we speak, our leaders argue that when issues arise, we need to take our time. We are also on the ground and hear about things that are going on.
“I witnessed this on Saturday and the way people are angry. For the new charges, if President Akufo-Addo himself were to make an announcement, I would expect Dr Bawumia to also issue a counter-announcement.”
“What crime have Ghanaians committed? People struggled greatly to register for this Ghana Card, and perhaps by mistake, some have misplaced it. And yet, you’re discussing such high charges. What kind of madness is this?”
“Nobody can defend this rubbish. Forgive me for using harsh words, but these are the realities. Nobody can defend this rubbish, and if you guys go ahead to do this, kiss 2024 goodbye. Why?” he said.
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has disclosed plans to raise its fees for registration services, effective Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
Under the new rates, individuals will pay GH¢125 or GH¢420 for Ghana Card replacement, depending on the level of service. This fee increase aligns with the ‘Fees and Charges’ (Miscellaneous Provision Regulations, 2023) L.I. 2481, and applies to those seeking to obtain or update their national identification cards.
