Broadcast journalist and Managing Editor of ABCNews, Gordon Asare-Bediako, has voiced strong opposition to the recent increase in fees for the Ghana Card.
Asare-Bediako, who also hosts “Ghana Rising & Bɛkyerɛ Mu” on Wontumi Radio and is part of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) campaign team for the 2024 elections, criticized the government for imposing what he sees as an unfair financial burden on Ghanaians.
He questioned the rationale behind the new charges, asking, “What crime have Ghanaians committed?” to warrant such high fees for obtaining or replacing the national identification card.
Highlighting the gap between the leadership and the grassroots, Asare-Bediako stressed the need for immediate attention to the matter.
“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,” he said, recounting the palpable anger he observed among the people regarding the new charges.
“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,” he declared on a panel discussion on Wontumi radio on April 22, 2024. “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?”
Asare-Bediako’s remarks were particularly pointed towards the NPP, warning that such decisions could have adverse effects on their performance in the upcoming elections. He called on Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s flagbearer, to address the people’s concerns and not to risk his electoral prospects.
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced that the fee increases will start on May 1, 2024, in accordance with the ‘Fees and Charges’ regulation L.I. 2481.
This adjustment will affect those applying for new Ghana Cards or updating their information, stirring debate about the financial impact on citizens.